Tosin Kolade
Once a staple and budget-friendly source of protein for many Nigerian families, beans have become increasingly rare on menu lists due to their rising prices.
Historically a fundamental part of the diet for low—and middle-income households, beans have recently skyrocketed in price, influenced by inflation, poor harvests, and regional security challenges that have impacted agriculture.
In July 2024, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported that bean prices soared to unprecedented levels, creating widespread concern among consumers and farmers alike.
The price of a 50kg bag of beans has more than doubled over the past two years, reflecting a dramatic increase of over 100 per cent in the last year alone.
Beans, primarily grown in northern states like Borno, Gombe, Kano, Sokoto, Yobe, and Zamfara, are crucial to the Nigerian diet.
Analysts say the rising cost of fertilisers which rose to an average of 83 per cent across 13 African countries, and 111 per cent in Kaduna State has impacted production.
They say the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, major global fertiliser exporters, has exacerbated delays in the supply chain, contributing to soaring prices.
According to them, beans may soon become a luxury item for most Nigerian families without more robust interventions, leaving the population grappling with economic and nutritional hardships.
For many Nigerians, the high cost of beans has forced dietary changes. Mrs Amina Bello, a mother of five from Kaduna, shares her experience.
“Beans used to be a regular meal for us, but now we can only afford it once a week. We’ve had to switch to less nutritious alternatives like cassava and maize. Popular bean-based dishes like ‘moin-moin’ and ‘akara’ disappear from many tables”.
Nutritional Experts have warned about the potential long-term effects on food security and public health.
Dr Albert Akintoye, a nutritionist, warns that reduced access to beans could lead to increased malnutrition, particularly among children and vulnerable populations.
“Beans are a major source of protein and essential nutrients. Their reduced availability could have serious health consequences,” he said.
Another nutritionist, Ms. Sarah Andoaka, says Beans are known for their ability to provide a sense of fullness and contribute to overall well-being.
According to her, people may find it more challenging to maintain a balanced diet when removed from their typical diet, which could result in inadequacies.
She said, “Since beans are necessary for the body to maintain daily physical and mental work, their absence may eventually impact energy levels and overall health.”
However, the Cowpea Farmers Association of Nigeria (CFAN) revealed that steps were being taken to rectify the issues identified.
For Sale Tunfafi, Kano State deputy chairman of CFAN, the high cost of beans experienced in the nation was the aftermath of several issues.
He noted that the issues didn’t affect beans only but that the beans issue could have been better.
He, however, said that with the association’s move the price had started dropping.
He explained that one of the reasons behind the high cost was the drop in beans production last year.
According to him, beans, one of the last farm produce harvested yearly, were affected by herders’ invasion of farmlands as the dry season set, resulting in severe damage to bean farms.
He also identified the high cost of agricultural inputs as another barrier that forced many bean farmers to reduce the size of their farms.
He further revealed another reason was merchants’ exportation of beans to neighboring countries.
It may be worth noting that the Nigerian government has initiated several policies aimed at boosting local production and stabilizing food prices.
Yet, many argue that these efforts need to address the underlying challenges.
To change this narrative, following the increased prices of beans and other food items in Nigeria, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, announced a raft of measures.
He said this includes the distribution of fertilisers to farmers and initiatives to procure tractors.
Research institutions are increasing efforts to enhance bean production as the rainy season continues.
The International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) leads the charge.
The institute recently held a two-day pre-season and planning workshop focused on strengthening the sustainable distribution of improved cowpea seeds to smallholder farmers in Nigeria.
A seed specialist at IITA, Prof Lucky Omoigui, explained that the workshop aimed to unite all stakeholders in the legume seed value chain.
The goal was to develop a comprehensive work plan, outline activities for the 2024 wet season, and establish a roadmap for creating a robust legume seed system in Nigeria.
Omoigui noted that challenges in cowpea production often stem from farmers’ limited access to quality seeds, agro-inputs, and improved seed varieties designed to boost yields and address production issues.
As Nigeria contends with soaring beans prices, experts call for a comprehensive approach to stabilise costs and boost local production.
A food security expert, Prof Bukar Shehu, says tackling the high cost of beans requires several strategies.
Shehu advocates for enhancing local bean production by equipping farmers with improved seeds, fertilizers, and training.
“Investing in better farming practices and support systems is crucial for increasing productivity and reducing costs,” he added.
He said supply chains need to be strengthened through improved storage and transportation infrastructure to minimise post-harvest losses and lower market prices.
Additionally, Prof. Shehu stressed the importance of supporting research into high-yield and drought-resistant bean varieties to enhance efficiency further.
He said that cooperative farming initiatives could reduce costs and improve the bargaining power of farmers.
Stakeholders believe that government policies to stabilize prices and address inflation are vital for long-term solutions.
They also suggest that educating consumers about alternative food options and promoting urban agriculture help alleviate pressure on bean prices by diversifying food sources.
(NAN Features)
