Africa Business News of Monday, 17 February 2020

Source: bbc.com

Record rains push up tomato prices in East Africa

In parts of Kenya tomato prices have shot up by 700% In parts of Kenya tomato prices have shot up by 700%

Tomato prices have hit a record high in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, making the staple food a luxury for many.

Harvests have been smaller and poorer in quality because of prolonged heavy rains that led to flash floods, landslides, and the destruction of agricultural land.

In Kenya, one tomato used to cost about $0.05 (£0.04) but some shops have increased their prices seven-fold.

Last year, swathes of East Africa experienced one of the wettest rainy seasons on record - with total rainfall four times higher than average, according to the Kenya Meteorological Department.

With above-average rainfall predicted across Kenya in the next few months, it is expected that prices of ready-made food will go up.