Vendors at Brikama Market are sounding the alarm over skyrocketing food costs. They blame expensive farming inputs and pressure from the CFA Franc on the Gambian Dalasi for the unsustainable prices. Sellers like Ma-Binta Jawneh and Ramatoulie Jallow explained they have no choice but to pass these high supply costs to customers, leading to slow sales and tension.
Customers, including Jainaba Sillah from Farato, say essential items like fish, meat, and vegetables are now unaffordable, causing household stress, especially before Ramadan. Vendors note that many goods come from Senegal, making local prices vulnerable to currency exchange rates. They called for government action to regulate farm input costs and address the unstable currency.
The traders warned that without intervention, the economic strain will worsen for both businesses and consumers. They expressed concern that these conditions could drive young people toward irregular migration. While still hopeful, the vendors urged authorities to quickly improve market conditions and support coordination across the supply chain.
Customers, including Jainaba Sillah from Farato, say essential items like fish, meat, and vegetables are now unaffordable, causing household stress, especially before Ramadan. Vendors note that many goods come from Senegal, making local prices vulnerable to currency exchange rates. They called for government action to regulate farm input costs and address the unstable currency.
The traders warned that without intervention, the economic strain will worsen for both businesses and consumers. They expressed concern that these conditions could drive young people toward irregular migration. While still hopeful, the vendors urged authorities to quickly improve market conditions and support coordination across the supply chain.
