Unpacking the informal midstream: how the informal economy can and should contribute to enhanced food system outcomes

Worldwide, there is an urgent need to transition towards healthier, more inclusive and sustainable foodsystems. Informal businesses play a critical role in food supply chains, from food production to consumption. Yet, despite their potential, the role of these businesses is generally not recognised – meaning they are insufficiently included in efforts to improve livelihoods, the environment and the safety and accessibility of healthy food. Traders, street vendors and transporters – known as informal midstream businesses – play a critical role in food systems in the Global South, providing affordable food to low-income households. However, negative impacts relating to these businesses may occur as a result of unregulated activities, e.g.,poor working conditions, operating outside of regulation food safety policies, and lack of knowledge around and incentives to enforce adequate hygiene standards. Knowledge on effective approaches to reach out and include informal businesses in enhancing food system outcomes and reducing negative impacts is lacking.This is leading to missed opportunities in achieving zero hunger – Sustainable Development Goal (SGD) 2 and other SDGs. There is a need for improved understanding of the motivations, organisation and governance of informal businesses, so policies and interventions can be adjusted to their realities.