Rising Living Costs Push Nigerians to Tough ‘Throw-Away’ Rice for Meals
As living expenses soar in northern Nigeria, people are turning to rejected rice grains known as afafata, once tossed out or used as fish feed. These grains, dubbed ‘battling’ due to their hardness, are now a lifeline for struggling families, despite being broken and difficult to cook.
The skyrocketing price of regular rice, now beyond the reach of many, has forced families to adapt. Protests erupt in response to the suffocating cost of living, prompting some governors to acknowledge the dire situation.
For Hajiya Rabi Isah and others, afafata is the only affordable option. Market sellers like Saminu Uba witness a surge in demand for the cheaper but less flavorful rice.
With goods doubling in price within months, families like Hashimu Dahiru’s are left with no choice but to spend hours cleaning and cooking the tough grains.
Though the government distributes grains to ease inflation’s impact, the president’s aide’s remark about Nigeria’s low living costs sparks controversy.
The rice price surge traces back to previous import bans and struggles to meet local demand, exacerbated by currency woes. Despite attempts to ease the situation, many Nigerians find themselves battling to afford a basic meal.”
Credit: BBC News
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-68272830