Resource information
While modern food distribution systems are evolving in many cities, more traditional and often informal forms of food supply continue to be vitally important in the towns and cities of developing countries and countries in transition. They are important because they can best cater to the specific needs of poor urban households. They also provide employment and income to low income households, and supply food products and services that are tailored to the particular needs of urban consumers. It is therefore essential that these activities be recognized and supported by the local authorities. The overall aim of this guide is to underline the important role played by the informal sector in urban food security. It examines various forms of local policy support for the informal food sector and, with this in mind, calls for an accurate and upto- date representation of sectoral activities and players (using a participatory approach) and an understanding of related problems caused and encountered.
