Burkina Faso: Vegetables are scarce and more expensive

Written by: Ayman Ragab

High prices and shortages of tomatoes, chili peppers, and bell peppers are affecting consumption patterns in Burkina Faso's capital, Ouagadougou. Between budget pressures, declining sales, and the use of alternative products, families and vendors are trying to adapt to the situation.

In Ouagadougou, vegetable stalls are an unusual sight. Tomatoes, chili peppers, eggplants, and bell peppers, to name a few, have become scarce and expensive. A pack of five tomatoes, which used to sell for between 100 and 200 CFA francs, now sells for 500 CFA francs.

High prices in Burkina Faso

Fatau, a consumer, says he fears this situation will become permanent: “I came to buy tomatoes, onions, and peppers, and I noticed that prices have gone up; these vegetables used to be sold at much lower prices.”.

”In the past, when we used to come shopping, things were good. But now everything is expensive. We hope that prices will decrease so that we can buy,“ says Mensah Kofi, another customer who also came to shop.

Among the saleswomen, the anxiety is equally palpable. While higher prices might suggest increased sales, the reality is different. Customers have become more hesitant. Many describe a stagnant market characterized by high prices for some goods.

Adapting to the available vegetables more easily

“Personally, I’m not complaining, but you have to admit that spices are very expensive, with the exception of onions,” admitted Fatima Komsaga, a vegetable vendor.

Faced with this situation, some families are adapting by favoring more readily available vegetables, such as cabbage, okra, and local leafy greens. Others are turning to dried vegetables whenever possible.

While awaiting a return to normal supply levels, consumers and traders are hoping for a swift stabilization of prices and supplies in the markets.