Moses Lokeris
Prices of basic food commodities, in Kotido district, have risen sharply in the recent months, putting additional strain on already poverty stricken households, prompting concerns over food insecurity across the district.
A mini-survey conducted by our reporter Moses Lokeris, in the markets of Kanawat cattle market, Rengen market, and Lokitelaebu market indicated that prices for major food items such as sorghum, beans, have more than doubled since December, last year.
In Kanawat cattle market, residents are now paying Shs 190,000 for a sack of sorghum up from Shs 80,000, while the price for a jug of sorghum has climbed to Shs 2500 up from Shs 2000 before January.
The price for a jug of simsim has shot up to Shs 9,000 down from Shs7, 000, while a cup of green gram, which was sold at Shs 1,000 is now being sold at Shs1,500.
Sarah Arwon, and Samuel Ocen who sells a variety of beans, said that a jug of beans which was sold at Shs 2,000 now costs Shs 2500.
They lamented that a rise in food prices has resulted in low sales since the number of buyers has dwindled.
Similarly, at Rengen market, the price of a bag of sorghum has also surged from Shs 70,000 to Shs 185,000, while a jug which used to cost Shs 2000 is now sold at Shs 2500.
Faith Auma a produce dealer said that food prices are likely to surpass the current cost in the coming weeks.
Jennifer Acheng, who deals in silver fish at Lokitelaebu market, said the price of silver fish has also climbed from Shs 10,000 to Shs15, 000 a medium sized dish,
Kenneth Opio and Veronica Nakutan among other produce dealers, attribute the increased to a combination of rising fuel prices and low supply.
