Food inflation driven by inefficiency, not scarcity β Abunu
Nigeriaβs food inflation is largely driven by inefficiencies in the supply chain rather than by scarcity, according to Kofi Abunu, Managing Director of Food Concepts Limited.
In a recent interview, Kofi Abunu, Managing Director of Food Concepts Limited, attributed Nigeria's severe food inflation to inefficiencies, particularly post-harvest losses, rather than a lack of food supply. Despite the global concern over food scarcity, he emphasized that the majority of the food produced in Nigeria fails to reach the consumers due to inadequate infrastructure and ineffective logistics. Issues such as poor storage facilities and limited processing capabilities result in significant losses, particularly in perishable goods such as poultry and fresh produce.
Abunu pointed out that these systemic flaws lead to heightened food prices, which adds to the financial strain that households and businesses face. With many locals already struggling to cope with rising costs, this ongoing inflation crisis is exacerbating food insecurity across the country. The situation is further complicated by the overemphasis on external market factors, such as global inflation and exchange rates, which Abunu argues do little to address the root causes of the problem on the ground.
Ultimately, the insights provided by Abunu highlight the urgent need for policymakers to focus on improving Nigeria's agricultural ecosystem by addressing post-harvest losses and enhancing infrastructure. By targeting these inefficiencies, Nigeria could see a substantial reduction in food inflation, which would have significant benefits for food accessibility and overall economic stability, suggesting that a localized approach to agricultural reform may yield the best results for both producers and consumers alike.