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How yam, Nigerians’ major staple, became luxury item for average homes

Despite the country’s position as the largest producer of yam across the globe, Nigeria currently faces  shortage of the produce in the markets. Currently, a large population of the country is finding it difficult to access this crucial staple for homes, as it is gradually becoming affordable only to the rich, writes ASSISTANT FEATURES EDITOR, GBENGA AKINFENWA.

Yam, a preferred source of carbohydrate in Nigeria is gradually going beyond the reach of average citizens. Its scarcity in the last few months, primarily caused by limited supply from the farms, has led to the sharp increase in price, making it unaffordable to average Nigerians.

Thus, many Nigerians who saw yam as an alternative to rice when the price of rice skyrocketed from around N50,000 to N90,000 last year have retraced their steps owing  to the issue of affordability.

The Guardian learnt that in Lagos, a sizable tuber…
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