Agricultural surpluses drive down vegetable prices in Ghana and Nigeria

Seasonal bumper harvests in West Africa have led to a significant drop in vegetable prices, providing relief to consumers while reducing incomes for farmers.

In Ghana’s Nabdam District, a simultaneous harvest of tomatoes, pepper, and okra has flooded local markets. The price of a basin of tomatoes has fallen from as much as GH₵350 in September to between GH₵120 and GH₵150. Similarly, pepper prices have dropped from a range of GH₵150–GH₵200 to GH₵100–GH₵120. While shoppers benefit from lower costs, farmers are facing shrinking returns due to the supply glut.

In Bauchi, Nigeria, tomato prices have decreased by approximately 30 percent following a large wet-season harvest. At the Muda Lawal and Yelwan Tudu markets, a basket of tomatoes now sells for N14,000, down from N18,000. Pepper prices have seen a more dramatic decline, dropping from N120,000 to between N30,000 and N45,000 per bag. While most vegetables have become cheaper, some items like okra and spinach have seen price increases.