Dar es Salaam residents enjoy half-price peas

DAR ES SALAAM: DAR ES SALAAM residents are benefiting from a 50 per cent drop in wholesale pea prices, making this essential staple more affordable and easing the strain on household budgets.

The price has sharply fallen to 5,000/- per kilogramme from 10,000/- just a month ago, reflecting significant market adjustments observed at Kigogo Sambusa Market in Kinondoni District.

Kigogo Sambusa Market Chairman, Mr Edson Mwitula, attributed the significant price drop mainly to seasonal harvest variations, noting that this season’s abundant pea yields from many farmers have substantially increased supply and eased market pressures.

“This surge in supply has flooded the market, eased shortages and driven prices down, ultimately benefiting consumers with more affordable staples,” he said.

He said seasonal pea price fluctuations create income instability for farmers, require strategic planning by traders and impact consumer affordability.

He said that the market primarily receives peas from three major regions, Moshi-Kilimanjaro, Morogoro and Iringa.

Mr Mwitula further urged concerns about poor infrastructure at the market. Wholesaler Mr Haruna Kavuta explained that pea prices are seasonal, typically declining during Iringa’s cold season from midMay to September due to increased supply and rising during the hot season between December and April when production decreases.

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A Daily News spot survey at Kigogo Sambusa Market reveals a sharp contrast in pea prices between seasons. Currently, a sack of peas sells for between 120,000/- and 140,000/-, with one kilogramme going for 5,000/-.

During the hot season, however, the same sack fetches between 280,000/- and 300,000/-, and the price per kilogramme rises to as much as 10,000/-, reflecting the significant impact of seasonal supply changes on market prices.

Retail trader Ms Aisha Salim, who sources her stock from Iringa, Moshi and Morogoro, strategically adjusts her pricing based on regional supply variations and shifting customer demand to maintain competitiveness and profitability.

She sells peas in small packets priced at 1,000/-, 2,000/- and 4,000/-, catering to different income levels. Peas from Morogoro, typically sold by the kilogramme, are the most expensive, while those from Iringa and Moshi, sold by the bucket, are more affordable Iringa peas being the cheapest.

Currently, Iringa peas are selling at 3,000/- to 4,000/- per kilogramme translating to around 120,000/- per 100kg sack.

“We monitor market prices closely and buy from the most cost-effective source to stay competitive,” Aisha said.

The current pricing and sourcing strategies demonstrate how traders effectively navigate regional supply differences to manage costs and meet diverse consumer needs.

While harvest volumes remain inconsistent, average market prices continue to offer farmers reasonable returns, especially when traders buy directly from them. Lower wholesale prices have also enabled vendors to pass on the cost benefits to consumers, making peas more affordable and accessible.

However, farmers are anticipating another modest harvest, which may tighten supply and shift market dynamics in the coming weeks.

Beyond pricing, vendors have raised concerns about food hygiene, noting that poor market infrastructure hampers their ability to prepare food under clean and safe conditions, particularly during the rainy season. Consumer feedback reflects the positive impact of price reductions.

“I really enjoy the current price because I can now afford twice as much peas compared to last month and I have room in my budget for other varieties,” said customer Ms Asha Musa.