In the bustling markets and roadside stalls of Sokoto State, the resilient fruit sellers, known locally as ‘Mailemu’, face a daily struggle to keep their produce fresh amid rising costs and challenging conditions. ASHENEWS spoke with several fruit vendors who shared their strategies for maintaining the quality of their fruits and the hardships they encounter as economic pressures mount.
A 2024 World Food Programme report has stated that the soaring prices of foodstuff, vegetables and fruits are a result of the conflicts in some key agricultural states, and high costs of inputs and transportation.
Preserving freshness: The daily battle
According to Coldhubs, in developing countries, 45% of food spoils are mainly due to a lack of cold storage. The organization states that perishable food especially fresh fruits and vegetables start to deteriorate as soon as they are harvested because they are cut off from their source of water and nutrition. “They lose weight, texture, flavour, nutritional value and appeal. Cooling significantly slows down the rate of deterioration, thereby increasing the storage life of the produce”, the social enterprise states on its website.
Maintaining the freshness of fruits in Sokoto’s harsh climate is no small feat. Vendors use traditional methods like using grass or sacks or getting cool places to shield their produce from the relentless sun and heat to keep them from spoiling. Fruit sellers in Sokoto State work hard to keep their fruits fresh.
Mr. Musa Mailemu, a seasoned fruit seller, sources his watermelons from local farms in Sokoto and Kebbi States. He emphasizes the delicate nature of his produce.
“Watermelons are sensitive to temperature changes,” Mailemu explained. “In the past, I bought watermelons for just N100 each. Now, they cost N500 to N600 due to increased farming costs like fuel and fertilizers. The high fuel prices for irrigation pumps and fertilizers are driving these increases. My customers often complain about the prices, but I have no control over these rising costs.”
Mailemu’s experience is a testament to the broader economic challenges impacting agricultural production. With government subsidies for fertilizers dwindling, farmers bear the full brunt of rising costs, which trickles down to vendors and ultimately consumers.
“Previously, I could invest N30,000 in watermelons and sell them all in a day,” he continued. “Now, even spending N45,000, I might only sell N10,000 worth in a day. My customers complain about the high prices. I also pay more for transport due to high fuel costs. Customers who used to buy several watermelons now only buy one or even half. Occasionally, some watermelons spoil, causing losses for me. Any unsold fruit leads to losses.”
Innovative solutions: Coping with economic pressures
To combat spoilage and manage inventory, Sokoto’s fruit sellers adopt various techniques. Mr. Abubakar Abubakar, who operates a stall on Gusau Road, carefully selects his purchases and uses creative storage solutions.
“I buy fruits in small quantities from the Center Market because keeping them fresh is difficult,” he said. “I cover them with dry grass or fibre covers to protect them from the heat and store them in a cool, shaded area to avoid direct sunlight.”
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Business has slowed down for Abubakar. “Business isn’t as good as before, and mangoes, oranges, and watermelons don’t like heat. Things are more expensive now, and many customers can’t afford as much as before. To help, I offer them credit, so they can pay later. This way, the fruits don’t spoil in my shop. But even those who can buy usually take less because of the high prices.”
Despite his efforts, Mr. Abubakar faces significant financial strain. “I’ve invested a lot in fruits, but the returns are discouraging. I often lose money because some fruits sit in my shop for over a week, and they start to spoil. Then I have to throw away the bad ones.”
Small wins: The adaptation of Mr Abdulkarrem Musa
At his stall near the old airport, Mr Abdulkarrem Musa sells a variety of fruits, including watermelons, pineapples, oranges, and mangoes. He finds it tough to keep them fresh, so he puts them in sacks to shield them from direct sunlight after closing for the day.
“People understand that prices are high across the country, but they still complain,” Musa noted. “That’s why they mostly buy small amounts instead of buying like they used to when prices were lower. I don’t buy a lot of fruit at once to minimize waste and losses.”
Musa’s approach reflects a broader trend among Sokoto’s fruit sellers: adapting to economic realities by reducing stock and focusing on quick sales to minimize spoilage.
Customers’ perspectives: Adjusting to higher prices
For Sokoto’s residents, the rising cost of fruits is more than just an inconvenience; it is now a significant adjustment to their daily lives.
Austin Joseph, a regular customer, buys fruits every evening for health reasons. “I buy fruits daily because my doctor advised me to. I used to spend N1,500 on fruits, but now I am spending N2,500,” he said. “I usually buy oranges, watermelon, and pineapple. The prices have almost doubled. Where I used to get six oranges for N400, now I only get three at the same price.
“Similarly, the cost of watermelon and pineapple has increased. Watermelon used to cost me N400 for two slices, but now it is N250 per slice. Pineapples used to be N700 for seven slices, but now it is N200 per slice. So, I am spending more than before.”
Despite the higher prices, Joseph continues his purchases. “I can’t stop buying fruits because my doctor advised me to eat them daily for my health.”
Miss Ajoke Babalola, another regular customer of fruits, has her strategy. She buys pineapples and oranges weekly but prefers pineapples due to occasional digestive issues with oranges.
“I used to buy pineapple slices for N100 each, but now they are N200,” she said. “Even when I don’t have enough money, my fruit seller lets me take more and pay later. Currently, I owe him N600. This is because I initially bought N600 pineapples, and he added another N600, asking me to pay later so the pineapples wouldn’t spoil in his shop. He always says, ‘It’s better for the fruit to be in your stomach than to spoil here.'”
Looking ahead: Navigating the future
The challenges faced by Sokoto’s fruit sellers are emblematic of broader economic issues affecting many Nigerians. Rising costs of inputs, transportation, and living expenses create a difficult environment for both vendors and consumers. Despite these hardships, the resilience and adaptability of these vendors stand as a testament to their determination to keep their businesses alive and serve their communities.
As economic conditions continue to evolve, the fruit sellers of Sokoto will undoubtedly keep finding ways to adapt and thrive, providing a crucial service to their customers and sustaining their livelihoods in the face of adversity.
