Retailing vegetables, as a source of income for non-farmer migrant women of Kathmandu, Nepal

In many developing economies, vegetable vending has become a source of income for non-farmer women living in urban areas. In Nepal's capital city Kathmandu, domestic migration has resulted in a dense population. Decreasing farmlands has stimulated the business of retailing vegetables among women. Vegetable vendors play an important role in contributing to urban health and economy by easing urbanites' access to fresh vegetables. For women, vegetable vending has become an easier income because it does not require particular academic or technical background nor heavy manual labor. In this preliminary study, we try to picture the condition of women vegetable vendors at a pioneer vegetable market in Kathmandu. Our purpose was to gain first-hand information from women vegetable vendors about challenges they face and suggest ways to develop vendor-friendly market conditions. Data was collected by interviewing 31 women vendors at Kalimati Fruits and Vegetables Wholesale Market in 2017. Based on their answers, we outlined practical ways to stabilize their income, mainly by improving temporary storage and cooling facilities within the market and establishing a monitoring body to ensure consistent supply of quality produce.