Covid-19 is changing local food systems in Nigeria
“Mama Put” is vulnerable
Whenever I read the news, I am thankful. Thankful for the health professionals, volunteers, NGOs and public officials working round the clock to contain the global pandemic. In Nigeria, we don’t have it all figured out. From news reports, press releases to national broadcasts, there is not much to assure us that our political helmsmen shall, in a time of global despair, put aside personal interest, to aid the vulnerable people who depend on daily hustles to fend for their households, among whom are food vendors we call “Mama Put”.
Mostly female, they are “mistresses of spice’’ whose specialty is serving unforgettable delicacies meet the voracious appetites of millions. Unlike big-named restaurants — with fancy buildings, huge bank credits, multiple branches, and uniformed staff — she employs simple methods; charcoal and firewood, food coolers on 3-foot tables, tents, and small shops to serve scores of loyal customers daily. She is everywhere. Whenever I can’t make it into the kitchen and out in time for work, I patronise her. But as the lockdown stretches into a month in over 20 states of the federation, I am worried that we may lose a key player in the food industry.
Mama Put is not cut out for social distancing
If you ask Mama Put, the central question is about lifestyle and income: What will she do, and how will she cater for her home until the lockdown is over. She’s become accustomed to a fixed certain lifestyle; late to bed, early to rise. Her children also play an important role, helping her get the food ready before leaving for school. Her husband is either not available, or does a menial job that cannot sustain the family. Her customers love coming because there are varieties to choose from. She not only enjoys cooking, but the every-day interactions she has with them. But running the business is becoming more difficult. Even when the cost of her supplies goes up she cannot afford to raise her prices as she does not want to lose her customers. It seems that of late she is only spending money, Yet she is not ready to sit idly at home. For her, working from home is not an option, nor can she visit friends. Mama Put is not cut out for social distancing.
Other sectors feel Mama Put’s pain
Mama Put is a core part of Nigeria’s food industry, and the broader hospitality and agricultural sectors. She is connected to farmers,food suppliers, and consumers. While current restrictions on public gatherings allow for windows when markets are open (once or twice weekly). Farmers feel her absence through the increased losses they are experiencing. These include damaged produce, and reduced opportunities to plant and sell high-value commodities, especially fruits and vegetables. Suppliers are selling even less. When food prices rise, purchasing power is reduced. With more food left in the store, the likelihood of wastage increases. Mama Put is the foundation of the fast-food industry, and without palliatives to buffer the impact of her absence, the agribusiness sector will suffer even more.
No government aid in sight
Whether to start, or resume a business, you need funds. It is likely that for lack of funds, Mama Put vendors will find it hard to resume their businesses, even when the current crisis has passed. Bank loans are hard to get. Private lenders demand high interest rates. Cooperative societies are funded by working contributors now at home. Even family and friends have their needs, Mama Put has been using her savings for upkeep and she may soon run out of it.
What about the government? On the 29th of March, Nigeria’s President announced a three-month suspension of Federal Government loans from the Bank of Industry, the Bank of Agriculture, and other Federal initiatives such as TraderMoni, MarketMoni, and FarmerMoni. While laden with bureaucracy and corruption, these are sources that could have been a point of call for Mama Put.
When the stay home order is lifted, and the world is back to work, Mama Put will have a hard time joining in. But as her loyal customer, I hope to see her again — soon.
Written by Dorcas Abimbola Omole
This article is part of Covid-19 Food/Future, an initiative under TMG ThinkTank for Sustainability’s SEWOH Lab project (https://www.tmg-thinktank.com/sewoh-lab). It aims at providing a unique and direct insight into the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on national and local food systems. Also follow @CovidFoodFuture, our Video Diaries From Nairobi, and @TMG_think on Twitter. Funding for this initiative is provided by BMZ, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.
