In Nigeria today Garri Is no longer poor man’s food as price jumps by over 105%
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 Daily Post 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.
