In Kenya, the cost of tomatoes has escalated by up to 50 percent following persistent heavy rains since October, which have adversely affected the crop, resulting in diminished yields. This price hike is evident in Nairobi's vegetable stalls, where the price of a single tomato has soared to nearly Sh15, up from Sh10. The quality of tomatoes has also been compromised, with some showing damage from hail and disease.
The supply downturn is attributed to reduced yields from key tomato-producing counties including Kiambu, Murang'a, and Kirinyaga, among others identified by the Agriculture and Food Authority. Vegetable traders in Nairobi have reported increased tomato prices in markets such as Gikomba and Marikiti. Heavy rainfall has not only destroyed crops but also rendered some rural roads in production areas impassable, further challenging the distribution of this perishable good. Both open field and greenhouse tomato farmers have reported significant losses, with the former being more severely impacted.
Source: businessdailyafrica.com