Rural Food Prices Soar as Farmers Abandon Villages for More Lucrative City Markets

STORY: written by Zara November 21,2025
Food inflation in rural Nigeria is worsening as many farmers now prefer to transport their produce to urban centres where they can earn higher profits. This shift has created a supply gap in local villages, pushing up the prices of essential food items.

Agricultural experts say the trend is driven by rising production costs and the lure of better earnings in big cities. As a result, rural households—already struggling with low incomes—are bearing the brunt of soaring market prices.

Traders report that basic staples such as yam, garri, vegetables, and grains have recorded sharp price increases in recent months. With fewer farmers selling within their communities, competition among rural buyers has intensified, further driving up inflation.

Analysts warn that unless urgent measures are taken to stabilise rural food supply chains, Nigeria’s food security challenges may deepen, especially in remote communities