Vulnerability and coping strategies of street food vendors amid typhoons and heatwaves: qualitative insights from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Purpose Extreme weather events pose global challenges, affecting individuals in various ways. Due to their outdoor working conditions and high mobility, street food vendors are among the most vulnerable groups. However, limited evidence exists on this issue in Southeast Asia. This research addresses that gap by examining the case of a developing economy in the Global South. Design/methodology/approach This research uses qualitative thematic analysis to explore the adverse effects of extreme weather on street vendors. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with street food vendors in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Findings Extreme weather events affect vendors in two main aspects, including business and health. Regarding business, all vendors are adversely affected by at least one extreme weather event. Many of them report that these events have negatively affected both their business and health. Typhoons and heavy rainfall tend to have more severe effects on businesses, while heatwaves primarily affect health. To mitigate these impacts, vendors adopt several coping strategies; however, these measures are insufficient. Social implications This research underscores the importance of urban and social policies aimed at supporting this vulnerable group during both extreme weather events and normal conditions. It also highlights the need to integrate street vendors into modern cities. Originality/value This research represents one of the early empirical efforts to examine the adverse impacts of extreme weather events on street food vendors and the coping strategies they adopt. While existing climate adaptation frameworks and urban policies focus on a broad range of vulnerable populations, street vendors remain overlooked in policy discourse. This research addresses that gap by proposing targeted policy interventions to support street vendors, particularly in the context of climate-related shocks.