Cameroon: Another food strike imminent as Douala experiences unprecedented hikes

The hike in prices of some basic foodstuff in the city of Douala is the cause of concern in many households. In most foodstuff markets in the economic capital, traders attribute the increases to change of season and foodstuff suppliers that fix prices. The Minister of Trade, Mbarga Atangana Luc Magloire reportedly took a marathon inspection of the various food markets in Douala to verify the prices of basic commodities. At the time of filing this report, the National daily, Cameroon Tribune made public the following observation:

Onion

Buying onion for a moderate family of six that formerly cost FCFA 1,000 now goes for over FCFA 2,000. In Douala’s Onion Market, a trader said a sack they used to buy for between FCFA 35,000 and FCFA 40,000 now sells at FCFA 75,000. According to her, onion cultivated in huge quantity in the northern regions of Cameroon is not yet in season. What is sold now is leftover stock from the peak harvest months of May, June, July and August, she explained. During peak seasons, onion for FCFA 300 can sufficiently feed a family of six. Though onion grown in the country is more palatable, consumers now find solace in imported onion sold at FCFA 15,000 for 25 kg because it is cheaper.

Irish Potato

Most households that have the habit of preparing Irish potato as snacks for their kids have since turned to pancake and spaghetti. At the Grand Hangar Market in Bonaberi, a 15-litre bucket of Irish potato that sold for FCFA 5,500 now barely feeds a household of more than eight people. Irish potato, which now sells for FCFA 35,000 per sack, has just two months of abundance - June and July, when the price per sack falls down to FCFA 25,000. Irish potato is mostly cultivated in the North West and West Regions.

Tomato, Garri

The price of tomato fluctuates from time to time. According to traders, there is no fixed season for the vegetable fruit. The prices fluctuate according to input, harvest and transportation, sources explained. When the harvest is good, the price is cheaper, and vice versa. At Douala’s Sandaga Market last week, a basket of tomatoes sold for FCFA 10,000. A week after, it dropped to FCFA 5,000 in the same market. On the other hand, Garri, which is mostly produced in the South West and North West Regions, has also witnessed an increase in price. A 15-litre-bucket formerly selling for FCFA 4,500 now goes for FCFA 5,500 in most Douala markets.

Beans

Beans is of three main varieties - white, red and black. White beans is more expensive than the red type. The white type, which is particular not only for its unique colour, but also for its taste, goes for FCFA 9,000 for a 15-litre-bucket; while the red type is sold at FCFA 8,000 for the same quantity. The black type is the cheapest among the three. During harvest season, the price reduces by FCFA 3,000. All the three beans varieties are cultivated in the West and North West Regions.