Yams are a staple food in many West African countries, including Ghana, where they account for 28% of total calorie sources. Yam production is regarded as a source of food security and employment to many Ghanaians, and Ghana is mentioned as one of the leading exporters of yams in the world. However, the market price of yams in Ghana has been a topic of concern.
The high cost of production and price fluctuations in the market have made it difficult for farmers to make a profit, and households have had to adjust their consumption patterns in response to changes in yam prices. In this article, we will explore the market price of yams in Ghana, the factors affecting these price fluctuations and where to get the best yam deals.
Market Price of Yams in Ghana
One kind of vegetable that comes from the Caribbean, Africa, and Asia is yams. In many West African nations, such as Ghana, where they make up 28% of the total calorie intake, they are a staple diet. Yams are quite nutrient-dense and include fibre, vitamins, and minerals. For example, white yams are rich in vitamins B1, B2, and C, and are a good source of dietary fibre, potassium, and manganese, while yellow yams are a good source of vitamin C and vitamin A.
The several yam varieties grown in Ghana each have their own special nutritional advantages. Notwithstanding the nutritional advantages of yams, Ghanaian yam farmers confront numerous obstacles, such as diminishing soil fertility, limited financing supply, insufficient market transportation, inaccessible farmlands, and increased losses to pests and illnesses brought on by climate change.
However, efforts are being made to improve the Ghanaian yam sector and ensure that households have access to affordable and nutritious food.
Varieties of Yams and Their Nutritional Value
Different varieties of yams grown in Ghana have unique nutritional benefits. Here are some of the nutritional benefits of different varieties of yams in Ghana:
White yams: White yams are rich in vitamins B1, B2, and C, and are a good source of dietary fibre, potassium, and manganese.
Yellow yams: Yellow yams are a good source of vitamin C, which helps boost the immune system, and vitamin A, which promotes strong bone development and guards against cancers relating to the lungs and mouth.
Water yams: Water yams are rich in potassium, which is important for normal kidney function and control of blood pressure.
Trifoliate or bitter yam: Trifoliate or bitter yam is a less popular variety due to its bitter taste, but it is still used in some traditional dishes. It is rich in diosgenin, which helps prevent carcinogenesis by acting as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent.
Other varieties of yams in Ghana include; Potato yam, aerial yam, and bush yam.
Factors Affecting the Price of Yams in Ghana
The market price of yams in Ghana is affected by various factors, including:
Demand and supply: The demand for yams in Ghana affects the price of yams in Ghana. When demand is high, the price of yams tends to increase, and when demand is low, the price tends to decrease.
Production and yield: The production and yield of yams in Ghana affect the supply of yams in the market. When production and yield are high, the supply of yams increases, and the price tends to decrease. Conversely, when production and yield are low, the supply of yams decreases, and the price tends to increase.
Transportation and storage: The cost of transportation and storage affects the price of yams in Ghana. When transportation and storage costs are high, the price of yams tends to increase, and when they are low, the price tends to decrease.
Climate change: Climate change affects the production and yield of yams in Ghana, leading to a decrease in supply and an increase in price.
Pests and diseases: Pests and diseases affect the production and yield of yams in Ghana, leading to a decrease in supply and an increase in price.
Varieties of Yam: Different varieties of yams have different market values, with some varieties being more expensive than others. For example, white yams are the most popular variety and are often more expensive than other varieties.
Quantity of Yams: The quantity of yams you are buying can affect the price of the yams. Buying a lot of yams say 20 tubers can influence the seller to decrease the price than purchasing only a tuber.
Market Price of Yams
The price of yams aside from the factors listed above is affected by the size as well. The price of a tuber of yam ranges between GHC 15 to GHC 35 when buying on a retail basis but GHC 8 to GHC 25 on a wholesale basis.
Best Yam Deals in Accra
You will get the best yam deals at Agbogbloshie in Accra, the yam market in Haatso and any other local markets where yams are sold wholesale.
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In conclusion, the market price of yams in Ghana is influenced by various factors, including demand and supply, production and yield, transportation and storage, climate change, pests and diseases, and international trade. The type and quantity of yams available in the market are also important factors that affect the price of yams in Ghana.
Despite the challenges faced by yam farmers in Ghana, efforts are being made to improve the Ghanaian yam sector and ensure that households have access to affordable and nutritious food. The Yam Sector Development Strategy is working to provide a strategic direction, backed by globally measured interventions and resources to ensure poverty reduction and improved livelihoods.
Understanding the factors that affect the price of yams in Ghana is crucial for both producers and consumers, and it is hoped that the information provided in this article will help shed light on this important topic.
