Baidoa, Somalia — Prices of essential staple foods have dropped significantly in Baidoa, the interim capital of Somalia’s Southwest State, offering much-needed relief to families grappling with economic hardship and food insecurity.
The fall in prices — driven by improved harvests, favorable weather, and steady market supply — is being hailed by local residents, traders, and humanitarian workers as a critical moment for a region long battered by conflict, displacement, and drought.
As of this week, a 50kg sack of red beans now sells for $38, down from $55 just two months ago. Similarly, the price of a 50kg bag of white maize has dropped from $42 to $28, while a 50kg sack of sorghum has declined from $38 to $25.
“This is the lowest we’ve seen prices in more than a year,” said Fatuma Ali, a market vendor in Baidoa. Fatima further stated that many families can now afford to buy enough food, even if their incomes haven’t improved.
Agricultural officials attribute the drop to a strong Gu harvest season earlier this year, which yielded above-average output in the Bay and Bakool regions. Enhanced road access and relative stability in surrounding areas have also allowed more produce to reach Baidoa’s markets.
“This is a rare but welcome development,” said Abdinasir Ibrahim, an agricultural advisor with the Southwest regional administration. “Farmers are producing more, and consumers are benefiting from reduced prices across the board,” he further asserted.
The price relief comes amid broader efforts by the federal and state governments, supported by UN agencies and NGOs, to boost agricultural resilience and food production through improved seed distribution, irrigation support, and market access programs.
Still, aid organizations caution that the reprieve may be temporary if conflict escalates or erratic weather patterns return later in the year.
According to the latest IPC food security analysis, an estimated 1.2 million people in Southwest State face acute food insecurity, with Baidoa remaining a key hub for internally displaced persons (IDPs) fleeing violence and drought.
“Affordability is crucial, especially for displaced families relying on daily wages,” said Halima Mahamud of a local NGO. She added that though the price drop is lifesaving, sustained support is still needed.
With Somalia’s food markets highly sensitive to climatic and security shifts, authorities and development partners are watching closely to ensure the current stability translates into long-term food security gains.