Nigerians turn to moldy produce as 36 million face acute food insecurity
The DW News segment examines the dilemma of millions of Nigerians choosing between hunger and consuming spoiled or moldy produce amid soaring food prices. It highlights Lagos authorities warning against moldy tomatoes due to risks of liver damage, aflatoxins, and cancer, with market scenes showing damaged 'esha' and 'baj' vegetables sold cheaply. Interviews with affected vendors, buyers, and experts illustrate desperation in Lagos and Abuja markets, alongside reports of conflict disrupting northern farming and poor infrastructure causing spoilage in transit. Sourcing combines on-the-ground reporting by DW's West Africa correspondent, Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) advisories, National Bureau of Statistics data, a recent UN report, and expert interviews with food safety specialist Dr. Adeniyi Odugbemi and food systems researcher Aisha Rahim Bolarinwa of Farms to You. The piece notes no response from federal consumer protection authorities and frames the crisis as driving harmful coping strategies.
Source: DW News