African Immigrant Traders, Food Security, and Xenophobia in Johannesburg, South Africa

Seun Bamidele

doi:10.25159/2520-9515/15725

Authors

Seun Bamidele University of Johannesburg https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9782-6543

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25159/2520-9515/15725

Keywords:

African immigrant informal traders, food security, xenophobia, Johannesburg, South Africa

Abstract

The role of African immigrant informal traders in enabling food security for families throughout Africa has been explored in the literature. However, little has been published on the relationship between African immigrant traders, food security, and xenophobia in the City of Johannesburg, South Africa. A lack of information combined with negative attitudes among researchers and policymakers has led many to undervalue African immigrant informal traders, often dismissed as peripheral to the food economy and food security in Johannesburg. Therefore, in this article, I analyse the role of African immigrant informal traders in making food accessible and affordable for customers despite constant harassment arising from xenophobia.

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