A survey in Zoo Road, Kano, and additional major markets in Nigeria revealed increased costs for essential cooking ingredients, affecting consumer purchasing habits. Tomatoes, red bell peppers, habanero peppers, and onions each have marked price increases, with a bowl of tomatoes now trading at approximately $6.50 and red bell peppers at $13. Meanwhile, a basket of tomatoes is priced between $84 and $90, with a bag of peppers reaching around $155.
Umar Ali, a trader, commented on the challenging conditions, stating, "I had no choice but to buy these items, even though they're very expensive. Some of my customers still rely on me. But honestly, this is not a good time to sell soup ingredients." Elevated prices have demanded adjustments in local cooking practices. Health worker Bukar Zanna mentioned adopting alternatives like tomato paste and dried peppers, with beans as a more economical meal option, saying, "Fresh tomatoes and peppers are out of our reach. We've started using alternative ingredients like bean soup, which is cheaper."
In a similar vein, resident Abubakar Danzaria reported spending $9.75 on produce, with rapid consumption by his household leading to the exclusion of stew from the menu. Musa GGA noted his family adapted by using dried and preserved ingredients to manage costs, while Yushau Karaye ceased tomato purchases due to spoilage risks.
Supply challenges during early rainy seasons and increased transportation costs from production hubs such as Zaria, Jos, and Gombe have been identified as reasons for the price surges. Sani Danladi Yadakwari of the Tomato Outgrowers' Association attributed part of the shortage to heat stress in early planting, with anticipated improvements in supply by the September main harvest. Additionally, the association's national president, Abdullahi Ringim, spoke of crop losses due to pests, affecting 300 hectares and involving 500 farmers, with the financial impact estimated at $22 million. Collaborative efforts are underway to introduce disease-resistant seeds to mitigate future losses.
Source: PM News