HAWKING OF READY-MADE FOODSTUFF IN RURAL AREAS OF KOGI STATE. A CASE STUDY OF IDAH TOWN

This study investigates the phenomenon of hawking ready-made foodstuffs in rural areas, with a specific focus on Idah Town in Kogi State, Nigeria. The hawking of food, which includes cooked meals, snacks, and other consumables, has become a prevalent livelihood strategy, particularly among women and youths. The research explores the socio-economic drivers, health implications, and cultural relevance of this informal food trade. Using a combination of field surveys, interviews, and observational methods, the study reveals that poverty, unemployment, and lack of formal education are major factors compelling individuals to engage in food hawking. While it provides a means of income and ensures food availability in underserved communities, it also raises concerns about food safety, hygiene standards, and the health risks associated with mobile food vending. The findings further highlight the absence of regulatory frameworks and support systems to monitor and assist food hawkers in rural settings. The study concludes with recommendations for policy intervention, including the need for public health education, food safety training, and structured support from local authorities to improve the sustainability and safety of ready-made food hawking in rural communities.