Effect of Street Trading Activities on Urban Land Use in Akure, Nigeria

Abstract

Street trading represents a critical component of the informal economy in Nigeria’s urban centers, yet its unregulated growth creates significant conflicts with planned land uses. This study investigates the spatial distribution, impacts, and policy implications of street trading in Akure, Nigeria. Using a mixed-methods approach that integrates field surveys, key informant interviews, and GIS-based spatial analysis, the study examines the nature of street trading, its effects on designated land uses, and the challenges faced by planning authorities. Findings reveal that foodstuffs dominate trade (37.6%), with sidewalks (41%) and road shoulders (24%) as key trading locations, reflecting strategic entrepreneurial rationality rather than random activity. Street trading significantly contributes to traffic congestion (28%), land-use conversion, and environmental degradation, with 84% of surveyed areas reporting conflicts between informal and formal uses. Planning authorities face resource limitations (55%), weak legal frameworks (15%), and trader resistance (28%) that hinder effective regulation. Stakeholder perspectives highlight tensions between livelihood security and urban quality of life, with residents favoring better regulation (41.2%) over elimination. The study recommends designated trading zones, integration of trading spaces in mixed-use developments, and adaptive governance frameworks to balance economic inclusivity with sustainable urban development.