- In a context of demographic growth, the various proximity services are a major issue, particularly in Benin. This research focuses on the factors and constraints of the street economy in the city of Natitingou. A documentary research and a field survey of 70 people were carried out in order to collect data. The data collected is related to demographics, obtained from INSAE from 2002 to 2013, information about the course of the activity and constraints. The collected data were processed through the methods of descriptive statistics. The profitability of production and processing was determined by the R = CD/CC protocol. The results obtained show that street activities in the city of Natitingou are favored by the demographic concentration, administrative services, tourism and economic activities. The main activities that drive the street economy are in the formal sector (60%) and the informal sector (40%). But the work is not accomplished without difficulties. These can be summed up as organizational (80%), technical (65%) and anthropic constraints, mainly theft (45%). Nevertheless, street activities allow its actors to live in more or less better conditions. They earn income that allows them to take care of their needs and ensure the well-being of their families.

Keywords : City of Natitingou, street economy, informal sector, socio-economic importance