Au Marché: Fresh Corn In Season, But Expensive

F resh maize has retur­ ned to markets across Douala, signalling the arrival of the harvest season. From Sandaga to Central, Dakar, Missoke Bonamous­ sadi and PK14 markets, heaps of fresh corn can now be seen on display as traders welcome increased supplies from production basins in the West, Northwest, Littoral and Southwest regions. Despite the abundance, consumers say the staple remains beyond the reach of many households. A cob that sold for between FCFA 100 and 150 during the pre­ vious season now costs bet­ ween FCFA 200 and 300, a heap of 4 small cobs of corn that sold for CFA 200 now cost CFA 500 in most mar­ kets, depending on size and location. Vendors attribute the increase to high trans­ portation costs, rising farm input prices and the seasonal demand that accompanies the first harvests. "Fresh corn is available, but it is not cheap", said Mary Magdalene Tchoukou a ven­ dor of maize at Marché Mis­ soke, adding that many fa­ milies are now forced to buy fewer quantity than they would normally consume. For traders, however, the current prices are necessary to offset production and mar­ keting expenses. They ex­ plain that although supplies have improved considerably, the cost of ...