World Food Day: Onitsha Traders Raise Alarm Over Poor Food Storage, Seasonal Shortages
By Desmond Ihekaire | IchieTimes
Traders at Coke Market in Onitsha, Anambra State, have called for improved food storage facilities and greater support for small scale farmers, warning that poor preservation methods and seasonal shortages continue to affect food availability and supply.
The traders made the call on Friday, October 16, during a visit by an IchieTimes correspondent to the market to mark World Food Day, which draws attention to hunger, food security and the need for access to safe and nutritious food.
At the market, where grains, beans, fruits, tomatoes and peppers are sold to households and other buyers, traders identified storage challenges, seasonal fluctuations in supply and agricultural production as major concerns affecting the food supply chain.
A tomato trader, Nkechi Ojiabo, explained that the availability of perishable produce, particularly tomatoes, fruits and vegetables, changes with the seasons. She identified inadequate storage facilities as a major challenge, noting that poor preservation leads to food losses and unstable supplies. She urged the government to provide support and improve storage infrastructure.
Similarly, a rice and beans trader, Nkechi Ekwemadua, called for greater support for small scale farmers, saying that empowering them would help increase agricultural production, improve yields and make more food available.
The traders stressed that improving food security requires coordinated efforts by government, farmers, traders and other stakeholders, particularly through better storage systems, stronger support for farmers and a more efficient food supply chain.
Their concerns highlight the importance of reducing post harvest losses and strengthening local food production to ensure that food remains available, affordable and accessible to households throughout the year.
