In light of soaring inflation rates, DANIEL ADAJI sheds light on the shift towards utilizing more affordable local food options in Nigeria
The month of June witnessed Nigeria hitting a 28-year peak in inflation, reaching 34.19%. This surge has significantly impacted many Nigerians, particularly with the 40.87% spike in food inflation, mainly attributed to insecurity in crucial agricultural areas. Consequently, a large portion of the population is finding it challenging to afford basic food necessities.
The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2024 report by the United Nations revealed that around 172 million Nigerians, accounting for 78.7% of the population, were unable to access a nutritious diet in 2022.
As of 2022, the report indicated that an individual in Nigeria requiring a healthy diet would need approximately $3.83 per day to achieve this.
Dealing with these challenges has led many Nigerians to modify their food preferences, favoring cost-effective local options such as cocoyams and soybeans.
Cocoyam, acknowledged for its rich flavor and versatility, has emerged as a popular alternative to staples like rice and gari. Market vendors in bustling areas like Wuse and Utako in Abuja now prominently showcase piles of cocoyam due to its affordability and nutritional benefits.
Mrs. Anne Ikechukwu, a mother of three, shared her perspective, “I used to purchase rice and gari. However, with prices soaring, I had to find an alternative. Cocoyam is not only cheaper but also more fulfilling and nutritious. It has become a staple in our household.”
This sentiment resonates with numerous Nigerians who have adjusted their dietary habits. In several communities, cocoyam has replaced rice in various traditional dishes, serving as a key ingredient in soups, stews, and desserts. Its versatility in the kitchen has made it a preferred choice among families looking to stretch their food budgets.
Alongside cocoyam, another indigenous food gaining popularity is soybean cake, a protein-rich delicacy made from fermented soybeans. Initially a niche product, soybean cake, known as wara, is now readily available on the streets of Abuja.
A civil servant, Mr. John Opaluwah, expressed, “I was initially hesitant, but wara has become a staple in my home. Not only is it delicious, but it is also budget-friendly and a great protein source, particularly with the soaring meat prices.”
The increasing acceptance of wara signifies a broader trend where Nigerians are rediscovering traditional foods eclipsed by more mainstream staples. For many, wara offers a cost-effective substitute to expensive meat, presenting a nutritious option without burdening the wallet.
The inflation crisis has further prompted a shift away from pricey vegetables like tomatoes, which had been a staple in Nigerian cuisine. The spike in tomato prices, tripling in recent years, has led many to explore alternative options.
Mrs. Ashifa Ahmed, a trader from the Bwari area in Abuja, noted, “I used to purchase a plate of tomatoes for N500, but now it costs over N1,500. Vegetables like spinach and bell peppers are not only economical but also enhance the flavor of my dishes. These substitutes have introduced new and exciting dimensions to my meals.”
Many Nigerians, like Ojone Adams, a mother of four, have turned to parched corn and beans as regular meal choices due to the unaffordable prices of staples like rice and yam.
Expressing her concerns about escalating food prices, Adams mentioned, “There isn’t sufficient money to afford a balanced diet, and what we manage to buy with our limited income is inadequate for our health requirements.”
The national average cost of a healthy diet surged by 19.2% to N1,241 per adult per day in June 2024, showcasing regional discrepancies.
The United Nations projected that approximately 82 million Nigerians would face hunger by 2030, attributing this crisis to ongoing conflicts, climate change, inflation, and escalating costs of food and essential items.
Factors such as persistent violence in conflict-prone regions like Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe have exacerbated food accessibility issues.
A report from the National Bureau of Statistics highlighted a considerable spike in food and basic item prices, with a 250%+ increase within a year. For instance, the price of beans surged by 252% between June 2023 and June 2024.
The report also emphasized the soaring prices of major staple foods like beans, yam, potato, plantains, and tomatoes, increasing by over 250% in the past year.
Reflecting on the economic landscape, Afrinvest’s analysis revealed varied sectoral performances, notably showcasing a decline in agriculture. The sector’s susceptibility to climate change and rural infrastructure challenges played a role in this trend.
Adapting to the inflation concerns, Nigerians’ transition towards more economical vegetable options underscores their resilience and adaptability. With certain ingredients becoming financially burdensome, creativity in meal preparation has become essential in balancing affordability and taste.
Shadrach Israel, an economist at Lotus Beta Analytics, remarked, “While these dietary shifts reflect Nigerians’ resilience, they underscore the ongoing battle against food inflation. Despite innovative adjustments, many still grapple with food insecurity.”
It is a testament to the resourcefulness of Nigerians that they rely on indigenous foods, underscoring the need for sustainable solutions to tackle the root causes of food inflation. To address these challenges, there is a critical emphasis on supporting local farmers and investing in agricultural infrastructure.
Efforts are being made by the government and various non-governmental organizations to enhance agricultural practices and boost food production.
Initiatives like the National Agricultural Technology and Innovation Plan are aimed at increasing productivity and ensuring food security. Despite these efforts, experts argue that more needs to be done to stabilize food prices and provide affordable, nutritious food for all Nigerians.
The heart of this endeavor lies with local farmers who are adopting resilient farming practices and diversifying crops to reduce reliance on imports and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
For instance, in Benue State, known for its fertile land, farmers are exploring new crop varieties and techniques to enhance yields and cut costs.
Alongside supporting farmers, there is a growing focus on food security initiatives. Community-based programs and cooperatives are educating individuals on sustainable farming methods and nutrition, not only mitigating immediate food inflation effects but also contributing to long-term food security.
The Managing Director of Saro Africa, Rasheed Sarumi, stressed the pivotal role of agriculture in propelling Nigeria’s economy, advocating for private sector involvement to drive innovation and capital in food production.
Sarumi outlined Nigeria’s agricultural strengths while identifying insecurity and high inflation as significant challenges that need to be addressed for sectoral growth.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, affirmed the government’s measures to boost farming activities and increase food production to tackle the prevailing food shortage.
Kyari attributed the current food scarcity to seasonal factors, mentioning reduced land availability, flooding, habitation issues, and insecurity as contributing factors.
To counter these challenges, the government is promoting mechanized farming through the distribution of fertilizers to farmers and the procurement of tractors.
Overcoming food inflation and ensuring food security necessitates a multifaceted approach, including bolstering local agriculture, enhancing infrastructure, and fostering community resilience.
With Nigerians adjusting to a new reality, the focus should be on establishing a sustainable and just food system capable of withstanding future adversities.