Addressing the Reality of Nigerians Reliant on Fish Feed for Survival amidst Rising Costs of Living

By Ojugbele Omotunde and Grace Samuel

Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa and the sixth globally is grappling with the stark reality of 84 million people living below the poverty line.

Last year, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) highlighted the compounding factors of conflict, insecurity, escalating inflation, and climate crises as drivers of hunger.

It projected that during the June-August 2024 lean season, 26.5 million Nigerians would face acute hunger, a significant rise from 18.6 million at the close of 2023.

In response to these challenges, particularly in northern Nigeria, residents are turning to unconventional rice grains, locally known as “afafata,” previously disregarded or repurposed as fish feed due to their inherent toughness.

This shift reflects the desperate measures families are taking to afford staple foods amidst soaring prices.

Isah Hamisu, a rice mill worker in Kano, emphasized in an interview with BBC the growing appeal of afafata rice among poorer households due to its affordability.

The surge in demand for such alternatives is evident in marketplaces like Kano’s Medile market, where Saminu Uba reported to BBC a notable uptick in afafata sales amid soaring rice prices.

The confluence of global economic strains and domestic policy shifts, such as the cancellation of fuel subsidies and currency devaluation, has exacerbated inflation rates, rendering basic commodities like rice increasingly unattainable. These economic pressures have catalyzed protests across various states, with citizens decrying the mounting cost of living.

Zuwaira Bissallah, a pure water hawker with insights into both Abuja and her native Kano, shed light on the cultural significance of “kanzo,” the hardened residue at the bottom of cooking pots.

She underscored its value during times of economic hardship, where even burnt remnants serve as sustenance.

Similarly, Malik mai Nama, a Suya vendor, revealed to NatureNews his reliance on “Dambu” to sustain his energy amid soaring rice prices. The inability to afford a plate of rice epitomizes the economic strain felt by many.

The outcry over rising living costs has manifested in protests across states like Niger and Kano, prompting Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf to acknowledge the severity of starvation in his region and call for urgent action. Despite government assurances of efforts to alleviate the crisis, skepticism persists, especially as Bayo Onanuga recently touted Nigeria’s comparatively low living costs in Africa.

The root causes of Nigeria’s high cost of living, including currency devaluation and foreign exchange shortages, necessitate a holistic approach. NatureNews advocates for comprehensive collaboration among stakeholders—government, businesses, and consumers—to address this multifaceted challenge.

Key interventions include investing in agriculture by providing farmers with affordable credit, modernizing farming techniques, and enhancing access to agricultural inputs.

Additionally, improving infrastructure, promoting trade, and combatting food waste through storage and preservation initiatives are imperative.

Education and training programs for farmers can enhance productivity and efficiency, thus reducing food costs.

Moreover, fostering an enabling business environment along the food supply chain, including access to finance and streamlined regulations, fosters competition and drives down prices, ensuring sustainable and affordable food security for all Nigerians.