Livelihood Strategy and Occupational Vulnerability of Street Ice Cream Vendors in Kathmandu Valley

Abstract

Urban centers are dynamic in nature for different activities such as business and exchanges. Earning livelihood by street ice-cream vending in urban Kathmandu is also a business for a group of people. This study examines the livelihood strategy and assets, socio-economic background, migration status, working condition and occupational vulnerability of street ice-cream vendors (SICVs) in Kathmnadu valley. The analysis is primarily based onsurvey of 42 such vendors in three different area of the valley namely Jawalakhel, Ratna parkand Balaju. Finding suggest that this occupation is male dominant and they are quite youngenergetic and hard working. They are from variety of caste ethnic backgrounds, illiterate andhave poor educational status. Overwhelming majority is migrant. They are from different part ofthe country. There is no single factor explanation from immigration of SICV to Kathmandu.Multitude of economic, social secure, landless as well as personal factors have collectivelyresulted into their move to Kathmandu. The enrollment of children in school and quite betterlivelihood then previous one is there overall satisfaction by this occupation. Less investment,easy access to money, easy to handle and feeling freedom are the major tenants to adopt thisoccupation. Despite all these they are facing personal as well as occupational risks. Whilepersonal and individual risk may have to be addressed at the personal level, the occupationalrisk and vulnerabilities such as seasonality on occupation, authorities behavior, spacerestriction and place specific characteristics and occupational un-sustainability are thevulnerable aspects. Likewise, they also feel this work as non-prestigious occupation (despitegood income on a daily basis) and social behavior are more potential aspect of their occupation.This study also found that urbanization provides opportunity for various kinds of activities toearn livelihood who do not have his/her own space or structure to carryout economic activities.