Markets in Cameroon’s capital are currently facing an unprecedented shortage of fresh tomatoes, causing prices to soar and placing a heavy burden on households already struggling with the high cost of living.
The price surge has made the staple commodity a luxury item. In Yaoundé, just two small tomato fruits now sell for 100 CFA francs, while a single crate of tomatoes costs between 12,000 and 15,000 CFA francs—more than double the usual price.
Producers primarily attribute the crisis to the rising cost of agricultural inputs.
“The fertilizer I used to buy for 3,000 CFA francs now sells for 13,000 CFA francs,” explained Ibrahim Boulé, a farmer in the West region. “With labor and transportation costs, it’s becoming impossible to sell at low prices.” Boulé called on the government to provide greater support for local production to prevent a prolonged crisis.
The lack of regular supply is forcing households to drastically reduce or eliminate tomatoes from their diets. “To make a good sauce, I need about fifteen tomatoes, or nearly 3,000 CFA francs. It’s become a luxury,” noted Doriane, a housewife at the Mfoundi market.
In response to the exorbitant prices, many consumers are turning to canned or bagged tomatoes. While cheaper, these alternatives are generally considered by consumers to have an “artificial” taste.
This market shortage is compounded by the effects of global warming, which local farmers say is contributing to increasingly meager harvests. Experts warn that this significant price increase will put additional, intense pressure on family budgets and the national food market.
RNK/ac/fss/abj/APA