The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2024 report by the United Nations indicated that about 172 million Nigerians or 78.7 per cent of the country’s population were unable to afford a healthy diet in 2022.

According to the report, as of 2022, a Nigerian, who could afford a healthy diet, would need about $3.83 per day to be able to do so.

This challenge has made many Nigerians change their taste, going for cheaper local food, such as cocoyams, soybeans, etc.

Cocoa yam, known for its rich, nutty flavour and versatility, has become a preferred substitute for rice and gari. Vendors in bustling markets, such as Wuse and Utako in Abuja, now proudly display pyramids of cocoa yam, as it enjoys more patronage due to its affordability and nutritional value.

“I used to buy rice and gari,” said Mrs Anne Ikechukwu, a mother of three. “But with prices skyrocketing, I had to find an alternative. Cocoa yam is not only cheaper but also more filling and nutritious. It has become a staple in our home.”

• Read More