Street Vending and Public Space Governance in Bamenda City, Cameroon: Survival Strategies and Urban Planning Challenges

The nexus between rapid urbanisation and persistent economic hardship has intensified the use of public spaces for informal commercial activities in many Cameroonian cities. In Bamenda City, street vending has emerged as a crucial survival strategy for a large fraction of the urban population, particularly amid rising unemployment and declining formal economic opportunities. Notwithstanding its importance for livelihoods, street vending continues to generate recurring conflicts related to space use, urban planning, sanitation, traffic congestion, and municipal governance. This study examines the major challenges faced by street vendors in their daily use of public spaces and explores feasible strategies supporting livelihood sustainability and economic growth within these spaces. Both quantitative and qualitative research approaches were employed, involving field observation, interviews with vendors, and consultation with the main resource persons. Both quantitative and qualitative research approaches were employed, involving field observation, interviews with vendors, and consultation with key informants. Data were analysed using descriptive, qualitative, and spatial techniques. The study identifies major challenges, including spatial congestion, inadequate infrastructure, insecurity, weak regulatory enforcement, and limited participation of vendors in urban planning processes within market arenas. Findings further reveal the existence of a wide range of socio-economic activities (with street vending constituting 38.6%), serving as livelihood strategies for vendors. However, the continued marginalisation of informal economic activities within Bamenda City's governance frameworks exacerbates tension and undermines effective public space management. The study argues that inclusive urban planning, the creation of designated vending zones, improved market infrastructure, participatory governance, and a balanced regulatory framework are essential for harmonising vendor activities with broader urban development goals. By integrating informal economic actors into city planning in a manner that upholds the Afro-Endogenous development approach, Bamenda City can enhance social inclusion, urban functionality, and strengthen the resilience and adaptability of local economic growth. Such measures are essential for fostering social stability, economic resilience, and the harmonious use of public spaces.