Unpredictable weather drives up food prices

DAR ES SALAAM: UNPREDICTABLE weather has pushed food prices higher, highlighting the impact of climate variability on supply chains and straining household budgets.

Traders say the situation has disrupted agricultural production, while rising fuel and transport costs are further driving up retail food prices, highlighting the combined impact of supply chain challenges and climaterelated shocks on household affordability.

A Daily News spot survey of Ilala, Buguruni and Mbezi markets show that prices of essential food items are steadily rising when compared to the same period last year. Beans are now sold at 4,000/- per kilogramme compared to 3,500/-, while rice prices range between 3,000/- and 3,500/- per kilogramme depending on quality and source.

A wholesale trader of staple foods at Ilala Market, Ms Salome Kihampa said the rising prices are beyond traders’ control. She explained that higher transport costs, unstable weather patterns and increased wholesale prices from suppliers have compelled traders to adjust prices to sustain their businesses.

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“The main problem is supply, farmers are affected by drought and irregular rains, so the amount of produce reaching the market has reduced. Transport costs have also gone up and we are forced to adjust prices,” she said.

At Buguruni Market, food vendor Mr Abdullah Ramadhan noted that the current season has significantly affected food supplies. He explained that this is not a major harvest period for many crops, leading to reduced availability of staple foods.

“When supply is low, prices naturally go up until the next harvest,” he said. Similarly, tomatoes and onions have been particularly affected, with prices fluctuating frequently depending on supplies from producing regions.

Consumers are also feeling the strain. Ms Grace Mtui, a business vendor at Mbezi Market, said fluctuating food prices have disrupted household budgets, forcing families to reduce portions and opt for cheaper alternatives.

“I used to buy two kilogrammes of rice and beans at once, but now I buy in smaller quantities because prices change almost every week. Sometimes I come with a budget but end up adjusting it because prices have gone up overnight,” she said.

Food inflation increased to 7.7 per cent in August last year, attributed to seasonal supply challenges during the rainy period, despite interventions by the National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA) through the release of food stocks.

Data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) indicates that headline inflation stood at 3.4 per cent in the same month, with food prices making a major contribution, while core inflation edged up slightly.