Fresh Maize, Vegetables, Flood Markets

The abundance of these fruits and several others is making them increasingly affordable.

The supply of fresh maize, vegetables and plum, among others, is abundant in Yaounde markets these days. And the economic rule of the higher the supply, the lower the price, is being applied by those dealing in these produce. Unlike two months ago when they were either non-existent or very scarce, visitors to markets in Yaounde like Mokolo, Mfoundi and others can attest that not only are the fruits becoming abundant, but the prices are also dwindling as well.

At Marché Mokolo yesterday May 31, six to eight healthy plums were given out at FCFA 200. "The same quantity, three months ago, could not be sold at less than FCFA 500," Mireille Dikota, a dealer in the market told Cameroon Tribune. She said plums are sold in large quantities at between FCFA 20,000 to FCFA 30,000; per net depending on the size and origin. In times of scarcity, the same quantity cost between FCFA 40,000 and FCFA 50,000. The abundance is also felt in the neighbourhoods as people who roast plum and plantain have also stepped down prices. "The plums I roast now range from FCFA 50 to FCFA 100 unlike some months ago when the few I was lucky to get could sell as much as FCFA 150 each and not less than FCFA 100," Pappy Sylvain said.

This is the same with fresh maize that is also in abundance. Some customers bought four cops of maize for FCFA 100. These were left-overs after retailers who roast it had served themselves. Sellers justify the abundance on maize that was planted early in normal farms unlike before when fresh maize came only from marshlands. Vegetarians can also heave a sigh of relief given the abundance of a variety of vegetables in the market. "I can now buy any type of vegetable of my choice," Celine Minka, a housewife told this reporter as she criss-crossed sales points at Marché Mokolo.

Large quantities of 'waterleaf,' an indispensable ingredient in 'eru,' are sold now at down-to-earth prices. "With less than FCFA 200, you can buy waterleaf to cook a sizeable pot of eru. This was not the case in the dry season as it was as scarce as dog's tears," a housewife who refused to be named, said. Green beans, oranges, pineapple and onions are also some of the produce in abundance at competitive prices.