Once a staple food and an inexpensive source of protein for many Nigerian families, beans have become increasingly rare on menu lists due to rising prices.
Cowpeas, which have historically been a staple of the diet of low- and middle-income households, have recently skyrocketed in price due to inflation, poor harvests and regional security challenges impacting agriculture.
In July 2024, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported that bean prices had soared to unprecedented levels, sparking widespread concern among consumers and farmers alike.
The price of a 50-kilogram sack of beans has more than doubled in the past two years, reflecting a dramatic increase of more than 100 percent in the past year alone.
Beans, grown mainly in northern states such as Borno, Gombe, Kano, Sokoto, Yobe and Zamfara, are crucial in the Nigerian diet.
Analysts say rising fertilizer costs, which have increased by an average of 83 percent in 13 African countries and 111 percent in Kaduna state, have affected production.
They say the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, major global exporters of fertilizer, has exacerbated supply chain delays, contributing to higher prices.
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Without stronger interventions, they say, beans could soon become a luxury item for most Nigerian families, leaving the population grappling with economic and nutritional hardships.
For many Nigerians, the high cost of beans has forced them to change their diet. 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 to eat them once a week.
“We have had to switch to less nutritious alternatives such as cassava and corn. Popular bean-based dishes such as ‘moin-moin’ and ‘akara’ are disappearing from many tables.”
Nutrition experts have warned of possible long-term effects on food security and public health.
Nutritionist Albert Akintoye warns that reduced access to beans could lead to increased malnutrition, especially among children and vulnerable populations.
“Beans are an important source of protein and essential nutrients. Their reduced availability could have serious health consequences.”
Another nutritionist, Sarah Andoaka, says that beans are known for their ability to provide a feeling of satiety and contribute to overall well-being.
According to her, people may find it more difficult to maintain a balanced diet when they are deviated from their usual diet, which could lead to deficiencies.
“Since beans are necessary for the body to maintain daily physical and mental work, their absence can eventually have an impact on energy levels and overall health.”
However, the Cowpea Growers Association of Nigeria (CFAN) revealed that steps are currently being taken to address the identified issues.
For Sale Tunfafi, Vice President of CFAN in Kano State, the high cost of beans in the country is the result of several problems.
He pointed out that the problems do not only affect beans, but that the problem of beans is the worst.
However, he said that with the association's move, the price had begun to fall.
He explained that one of the reasons behind the high cost was the drop in bean production last year.
According to him, beans, being one of the last agricultural products to be harvested each year, were affected by the encroachment of farmlands by herders when the dry season began, causing serious damage to bean plantations.
He also identified the high cost of agricultural inputs as another barrier that forces many bean producers to reduce the size of their farms.
He also revealed that another reason was the export of beans by traders to neighbouring countries.
The Nigerian government has initiated several policies aimed at boosting local production and stabilising food prices.
However, many argue that these efforts are insufficient to address the underlying challenges.
To change this narrative following the escalating prices of beans and other food items in Nigeria, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, announced a series of measures.
This, he said, includes distribution of fertilizers to farmers and initiatives to procure tractors.
As the rainy season continues, research institutions are stepping up their efforts to improve bean production.
The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is among those leading this initiative.
The institute recently held a two-day pre-season planning and workshop focused on strengthening the sustainable distribution of improved cowpea seeds to smallholder farmers in Nigeria.
Lucky Omoigui, a seed specialist professor at IITA, explained that the workshop aimed to bring together all stakeholders in the legume seed value chain.
The objective was to develop a comprehensive work plan, outline activities for the 2024 rainy season and establish a roadmap for creating a robust legume seed system in Nigeria.
Mr. Omoigui noted that challenges in cowpea production often stem from farmers’ limited access to quality seeds, agricultural inputs and improved seed varieties designed to increase yields and address production issues.
As Nigeria grapples with rising bean prices, experts are calling for a comprehensive approach to stabilise costs and boost local production.
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Bukar Shehu, a food security expert, said tackling the high cost of beans requires several strategies.
Mr. Shehu, a professor, advocates for improving local bean production by equipping farmers with improved seeds, fertilizers and training.
“Investing in better agricultural practices and support systems is crucial to increasing productivity and reducing costs.
“Supply chains need to be strengthened through better storage and transport infrastructure to minimise post-harvest losses and reduce market prices,” he said.
Mr. Shehu also highlighted the importance of supporting research into high-yielding and drought-resistant bean varieties to further improve efficiency.
He said cooperative farming initiatives could reduce costs and improve farmers' bargaining power.
Stakeholders believe that government policies aimed at stabilising prices and tackling inflation are vital to finding long-term solutions.
They also suggest that educating consumers about alternative food options and promoting urban agriculture could help alleviate pressure on bean prices by diversifying food sources.
(NAN Features)