OPINION
Rising Cost of Food in Jalingo Main Market: Causes and Impacts
By Sa’adatu Mohammed
The Jalingo Main Market in Taraba State has become a focal point of concern as food prices continue to soar, significantly impacting traders and consumers alike.
The phenomenon, driven by a blend of security challenges, economic instability, and seasonal fluctuations, underscores the fragility of the state’s food supply chain and the urgent need for intervention.
Insecurity in Taraba State has reached alarming levels, with banditry posing a direct threat to farming activities.
Farmers, the backbone of food production, face life-threatening challenges including kidnappings, killings, and the destruction of their crops.
Consequently, agricultural output has plummeted, creating shortages in staple foods.
For instance, the price of a 100kg bag of maize has skyrocketed from Thirty Five Thousand Naira (₦35,000.00) to Fifty five thousand Naira (₦55,000.00) down to Sixty Thousand Naira (₦60,000.00), a stark reflection of the toll insecurity has taken on food production.
Without immediate action to address these threats, the agricultural sector risks further destabilization, compounding food scarcity and price inflation.
A driver, Mal. Bawuro Isa says, “The rise in fuel prices have dealt a significant blow to food distribution in Jalingo. With petrol prices climbing to Eight Hundred and Twenty Naira (₦820.00) to One Thousand, two hundred and Fifty Naira (₦1,250.00) per liter, the cost of transporting goods from rural farms to urban markets have surged.
“This increase is directly passed on to consumers, making essential commodities unaffordable for many. Traders lament the shrinking profit margins, as they struggle to balance competitive pricing with escalating costs”.
A Businessman Alh. Hassan Says: “The broader economic climate has further exacerbated food price hikes. Inflation, which rose to 40.56% in November 2024, has pushed up the cost of living nationwide. Currency fluctuations and the rising cost of agricultural inputs like fertilizers have compounded the problem, leaving both farmers and consumers grappling with financial strain”.
Mal. Inuwa, a consumer, says that the combined effects of these factors have placed a heavy burden on Jalingo residents. Household budgets are stretched thin, with families forced to make difficult choices between purchasing food and meeting other essential needs.
Many residents express frustration and concern over the continuous rise in prices, calling for government intervention to stabilize the market and address the root causes of the crisis”.
To tackle the escalating food prices in Jalingo Main Market, a multifaceted approach is essential:
1. Enhance Security: Restoring peace and stability in farming communities is critical to boosting agricultural production.
2. Stabilize Fuel Prices: Government subsidies or alternative measures could help reduce transportation costs.
3. Economic Reforms: Policies aimed at curbing inflation and supporting local farmers are vital for long-term stability.
4. Infrastructure Development: Improved road networks and storage facilities could lower logistical challenges and reduce post-harvest losses.
By addressing these issues, policy makers can alleviate the burden on residents and traders, fostering a more resilient food system in Taraba State.
The people of Jalingo deserve not only affordable access to basic food items but also the economic stability to thrive in the face of ongoing challenges.
