In response to escalating food prices in the country, many Nigerians are now adapting their shopping habits as they opt for yam pieces.
Recent visits to various markets in the Federal Capital Territory by the News Agency of Nigeria reveal a significant shift in consumer behaviour, with buyers increasingly opting for yam pieces rather than whole tubers due to affordability concerns.
Yam sellers in the region have observed this trend firsthand. Alhaji Ibrahim Tanko, a prominent yam dealer at the Dei-Dei market, shared insights into the changing preferences among consumers.
“We often find ourselves cutting yams into pieces when faced with requests for lower-priced options, such as those priced at N1,000 or even N500,” Tanko explained.
“This practice helps to salvage yams that would otherwise go to waste due to reduced demand.”
Mrs. Blessing Ekong, another yam vendor at Dei-Dei market, echoed similar sentiments about average families’ economic challenges in Nigeria.
“The cost of a medium-sized tuber of yam ranges from N3,000 to N5,000, which many find prohibitive.
“By selling yam pieces at prices between N500 to N1,000, depending on the size, we accommodate a broader range of customers who cannot afford larger tubers,” she noted.
Ekong further emphasized the practicality of buying yam in pieces, especially amidst current economic uncertainties.
“People are hesitant to buy a whole tuber only to discover spoilage later,” she remarked.
“This cautious approach has contributed to the growing preference for yam pieces, where customers can visually inspect the quality before purchasing.”
The economic strain is also felt among yam consumers like Mrs Blessing Hassan, who highlighted the affordability and convenience of buying yam pieces.
“With the present economic situation, purchasing yam in smaller portions is more feasible for my family,” she stated.
“It allows us to manage our food budget effectively and avoid wastage.”
Mrs. Peter Kalu, another seller at the market, emphasized how cutting yams into pieces has become a strategy to sustain sales amidst reduced purchasing power.
“By offering yam pieces, we cater to the needs of customers looking for more affordable options,” Kalu explained.
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