Amidst the escalating cost of living in northern Nigeria, an increasing number of individuals are turning to rice grains known as afafata, which are typically discarded by millers or sold to farmers for fish feed.
The term “afafata” in the local Hausa language translates to “battling,” reflecting the difficulty of cooking and consuming these exceptionally hard grains.
A rice mill worker in Kano, Isah Hamisu, noted the shifting attitude towards afafata, stating that in the past, such rice was disregarded, but changing times have made it a more viable option.
Despite being broken, dirty, and tough, the affordability of afafata has made it a popular choice, allowing economically disadvantaged families to include this staple food in their diet.
The surge in prices in Nigeria, reaching levels unseen in nearly 30 years, is driven by various factors, including global pressures, the cancellation of the fuel subsidy by President Bola Tinubu, and the devaluation of the currency (naira), contributing to inflation.
As a result, the cost of a standard 50kg bag of rice has risen by over 70% since the middle of the previous year, surpassing the monthly income of a majority of Nigerians.
Facing economic challenges and cost-of-living protests in some states, many families in the north are turning to afafata as a more affordable option. The rising demand for afafata has even impacted the price of fish, as mentioned by fish farm owner Fatima Abdullahi.
Nigeria is witnessing its most rapid price increases in almost three decades, exacerbated by global economic pressures. President Bola Tinubu’s decision to eliminate the fuel subsidy, coupled with the devaluation of the national currency, the naira, has further fueled inflation.
The standard 50kg (110lb) bag of rice, capable of sustaining a household of eight to ten people for a month, has now surged to 77,000 naira ($53; £41). This marks a staggering increase of over 70% since the middle of the previous year, surpassing the monthly income of the majority of Nigerians.
In response to these economic challenges, an increasing number of families in the north are turning to afafata. However, the rising reliance on this unconventional rice option reflects a larger struggle, leading to protests and challenges in various states.
Protesters in Niger state, central Nigeria, recently blocked roads and displayed placards, expressing their suffocation under the weight of escalating prices. A similar demonstration unfolded in Kano in the north-west, prompting Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf to acknowledge the presence of starvation in his state, emphasizing the need for a solution.
For some, the immediate solution lies in afafata, as shared by Hajiya Rabi Isah in Kano. She highlighted the financial constraints that make normal rice unaffordable, with prices soaring to 4,000 naira ($2.70) per bowl. In contrast, afafata, priced at 2,500 naira ($1.69), has become a more viable option to feed her family.
Market sellers, including Saminu Uba in Kano’s Medile market, have observed a surge in the popularity of afafata. Many customers, faced with the alarming doubling of prices in just two months, are adapting to the economic challenges by opting for the more affordable but less palatable rice option. The economic strain is palpable, with individuals navigating creative solutions to cope with the rapidly changing cost of goods.
