Harare, (New Ziana)-Prices of most traditional foods have increased since the beginning of the year due to shortages caused by the El Nino-induced drought and preference for indigenous over exotic foods, an industry expert has said.

Charles Dhewa, chief executive officer of Knowledge Transfer Africa said many Zimbabweans have changed their eating habits, preferring traditional or indigenous foods as these have positive health benefits.

Knowledge Transfer Africa, also known as eMkambo, empowers Zimbabwean farmers and traders with market intelligence, reaching more than 1 million farmers across over 20 agricultural markets.

Dhewa said the change in dietary choices has resulted in an increase in the demand for traditional foods and in turn, a spike in their prices as traders optimize on profits.

He said the resurgence of traditional ceremonies and cultural events across the country has also increased the demand for traditional foods.

“Traditional food prices will continue to rise especially in August when people conduct rain-making ceremonies and other spiritual cleansing practices,” he said.

Some restaurants in Harare are now selling traditional foods at prices ranging from US$5 to US$$10 for a meal.

A 20-litre bucket of pearl millet (mhunga/inyouti), which was selling for US$$8 at this time last year,
went up to US$$20 in May/June this year.

A survey by New Ziana at the Mbare Market on Thursday confirmed a rush for the traditional foods.

Munetsi Muzavazi (75) from Dzivaresekwa high-density suburb said he had stopped consuming the staple sadza/isitshwala prepared from refined mealie-meal and preferred the one
meal prepared from finger millet(zviyo/uphoko).

“Despite the high prices, in the end, it is better for the health of my family. Traditional foods are the way to go for Zimbabweans,’’ he said.

Another consumer, Nyasha Chitima from Hatcliff, said she preferred sadza/isitshwala prepared from sorghum as it protects her and her family from stomach pains and constipation.

New Ziana