The cost of garri, a beloved staple food in Nigeria, has skyrocketed by 108% in just three months, hitting a record high as cassava production dwindles across the country.

A recent survey conducted by Media Talk Africa in major markets in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, reveals that the average price of a 50kg bag of yellow garri has surged from 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, up from N1,200 in December 2023. Additionally, a 50kg bag of white garri is now priced at N35,000, compared to N17,000 in December 2023, marking a 105% increase in price.

Data from the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) indicates that Nigeria is the world’s largest producer and consumer of cassava, with a projected output of 60.8 million metric tonnes in 2022. However, the production of cassava in 2023 was significantly impacted by climate change, escalating insecurity, and the uncertainty surrounding the previous year’s elections.

Segun Adewumi, the National President of the Nigeria Cassava Growers Association, NCGA, attributed the production shortfall to farmers being deterred from cultivating cassava due to the uncertainty surrounding the 2023 elections. Adewumi stated, “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.”

Garri, often referred to as the ‘poor man’s food’ in Nigeria, has become increasingly unaffordable for many Nigerians due to the recent surge in its cost, along with other essential food items. The National Bureau of Statistics reported that food inflation rose to 35.42% in January 2024.

As the price of garri continues to rise, impacting the daily lives of Nigerians, the nation grapples with the consequences of reduced cassava production and the broader challenges facing its agricultural sector.