News in Brief:
– Due to rising yam prices, Nigerians are increasingly turning to sweet potatoes as a more affordable alternative.
– The abundance of sweet potatoes in markets, coupled with their nutritional benefits and versatility, has contributed to their growing popularity.
Many Nigerian consumers have shifted their tuber preferences to sweet potatoes, as the prices of yams remain costly, hovering at about ₦2,000 to ₦6,000.
The produce is noticeably preponderant in most major markets due largely to bountiful harvests, especially in parts of Benue, Kaduna, Kano, Plateau and Ikwo, in Ebonyi state.
The commodity is in noticeable abundance in the popular Iyana-Iba market, in the Ojo local government area of Lagos state. Traders can be seen displaying their wares either on the ground or in small buckets while calling on passers-by for patronage.
Consumers and traders embrace the shift
Mrs. Tagbo, a food commodity trader in the Iyana-Iba market says she enjoys higher patronage for potatoes from customers, than yams.
“Most of my customers are buying sweet potatoes more than yams now than before, and it’s in season as well. I used to sell yams before, but as you can see it’s not moving as much as potatoes,” she told this publication.
According to the trader, a small bucket of sweet potatoes, consisting of about 10 medium-sized costs between ₦2000 to ₦2,500. She affirmed that this has increased the influx of customers for the commodity and she normally sells out her wares earlier than expected.
Also, a customer, Darlington Ibe, said he has since switched to potatoes for his family in light of the costly prices of yams.
“My children are particularly fond of potatoes, so it has made the switch easier for me, apart from its affordability,” he revealed. Ibe added that sweet potatoes and beans are a favoured lunch combination in his home, which he says is ‘more filling than using garri.’
He, however, said he personally doesn’t consume it much, being diabetic. Also, he called on the government to deal effectively with the security situation, especially in the agrarian Northern region, as a means to tackle the hunger crisis in the country.
Furthermore, he noted the increase in transportation costs of food items, due to the increase in prices of fuel, a factor negatively affecting food prices.
Nutritional benefits of sweet potatoes
Meantime, a food nutritionist, Adolphus Ojigba, commented that the produce is an excellent source of carbohydrates, and can effectively replace yams in most households.
“Potatoes are less starchy than yams, and they pack a surprising amount of antioxidants, including vitamins (like C and B6), and minerals (like potassium). These can significantly promote heart and digestive health,” he mentioned.
He also dispelled the opinion that the crop is not ideal for diabetics, as claimed by one of the earlier respondents, Mr Ibe.
“Sweet potatoes are unlikely to cause a spike in blood sugar levels as it has low glycemic index. It is actually recommended for diabetics,” he added.
He cautioned against excessive intake as its significant potassium content, may prove to be harmful to the kidneys, eventually, hence moderation in eating.
Nigeria stands as the largest producer of the crop in Africa, dethroning Algeria as Africa’s top potato producer in 2023. At an estimated 3.4 million tonnes annually, the country accounts for a staggering 58% of the continent’s total potato output.
Sweet potatoes’ importance lies in its high yield, making it the fifth most important food crop after rice, wheat, maize and cassava. It is also the seventh most important food crop in the world in terms of production.
