Beans, banana prices skyrocket in Ngoma district

The prices of beans and bananas have skyrocketed in Ngoma District on account of poor harvests, traders and residents have said. Presently, a kilogramme of dry beans costs Rwf600, up from Rwf400 in Rubona and Gafunzo markets. That of bananas has almost doubled to Rwf600 per kilogramme in Rubona market compared to Rwf350 the previous week. The increase in prices of beans has far-reaching impact as it is a staple food for Rwanda. Regis Haguma, a businessman in Ngoma district, told The New Times that there was a general rise in food prices across the district because of the prolonged drought the province experienced last year. Traders said other districts in the province were affected by the prolonged drought and anticipate further rise in food and commodity prices. Damien Gakuru, a farmer, said the long dry spell affected banana plantations in the district leading to poor yields. “I have two hectares of banana plantations, but I now harvest a few bananas because of unfavourable weather conditions for most of the last part of 2016,” Gakuru said. Jeannette Uwineza, a consumer, said that they have stopped eating beans and bananas because they are too expensive. Meanwhile, maize flour prices have doubled to Rwf600 from Rwf300 a fortnight ago, while a bag of charcoal now costs Rwf6,000 compared to Rwf4,000 previously. The retail price is Rwf6,300 per sack of charcoal.

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Beans, banana prices skyrocket in Ngoma district