Traders at Ibanda Central Market in Ibanda Municipality have expressed concern over the continued rise in food prices, saying the increasing cost of essential commodities is discouraging customers and reducing daily sales.
The market, one of the busiest trading centres in Ibanda District, receives hundreds of buyers and sellers every day and serves as a major outlet for agricultural produce from surrounding communities.
Although the market remains well stocked with fresh food supplies from farmers across the district and neighbouring areas, vendors say business has become increasingly difficult as many consumers struggle to afford basic food items. Several traders noted that while produce is readily available, consumers' purchasing power has declined significantly in recent months.
According to market vendors, the prices of several commodities have risen sharply. A basin of Irish potatoes, which previously sold for between Shs30,000 and Shs35,000, now costs significantly more. A head of cabbage is selling for between Shs700 and Shs2,000, while a basin of onions now ranges between Shs45,000 and Shs50,000, depending on quality and supply.
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"We receive customers every day, but many leave without buying much because prices have gone up," said Priscilla Arikiriza, a vendor at the market. "The previous dry spell affected production, and changing weather patterns have reduced supplies from farmers, forcing prices higher," she added.
Another trader, Jacklin Ainembabazi, attributed the situation to several factors beyond farmers' control.
"Transport costs have also increased, and unpredictable weather continues to affect harvests," Ainembabazi said. "Some commodities remain affordable because there were good harvests, but others are scarce, which explains the higher prices."
Consumers at the market say the rising cost of living has forced many families to adjust their spending habits.
"We no longer buy food in the quantities we used to," one shopper said. "Household expenses have increased, so we only purchase what we can afford for a few days."
Despite the current challenges, traders remain optimistic that prices will stabilize if weather conditions improve and farmers record better harvests during the coming planting season.
"We are hopeful that increased production will bring down prices and attract more customers back to the market," another vendor said.
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Agricultural experts continue to encourage farmers to adopt climate-smart farming practices and improve post-harvest handling to reduce losses and ensure a steady supply of food throughout the year.
They believe these measures will help stabilize market prices, strengthen food security, and improve incomes for both farmers and traders in Ibanda District.
