Beans: Common food slipping beyond average Nigerians

Beans, once a staple and budget-friendly source of protein for many Nigerian families, have become increasingly rare on menu lists due to their rising prices.

Historically a fundamental part of the diet for low- and middle-income households, the price of beans (cowpea) has recently skyrocketed, influenced by inflation, poor harvests and regional security challenges, which have impacted on agriculture.

In July 2024, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported that bean prices soared to unprecedented levels creating widespread concern among consumers and farmers alike.