Inside Nigeria: Garri, no longer poor man’s food

THE price of garri, a popular staple food in Nigeria, has increased by 108 per cent in three months, reaching a record high as cassava production shrinks nationwide.

A survey by conducted in major markets in the Federal Capital Terrritory, FCT, shows that the average price of a 50kg bag of yellow garri surged by 108 per cent from an average of N18,000 in December 2023 to N37,500 in March 2024.

Similarly, a 4-litre paint container measure of yellow garri now sells for an average of N2,500 as against N1,200 sold in December 2023, while a 50kg bag of white garri sells at N35,000 as against N17,000 sold in December 2023, indicating a 105 per cent increase in price.

According to data from the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO), Nigeria is the world’s largest producer and consumer of cassava and was projected to churn out 60.8 million metric tonnes of cassava in 2022.

The production of the tubers in 2023, according to farmers, was hampered by the impact of climate change, worsening insecurity and the uncertainty around last year’s elections.

Reacting to the development, Segun Adewumi, National President of Nigeria Cassava Growers Association, NCGA, said a lot of farmers were discouraged from cultivating the tubers last year owing to uncertainty surrounding the 2023 elections.

“The uncertainty and potential disruption during the change in government discouraged farmers from cultivating cassava as extensively as usual. This is what led to the production shortfall,” Adewumi said.

Reports indicate that garri is regarded as ‘poor man’s food’ in Nigeria but with the recent hike in the cost of the commodity, like other food items, many Nigerians are now finding it difficult to afford it.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics, food inflation increased to 35.42 per cent in January 2024.