As the demand for indigenous foods grows, there is a risk of the commodities going out of stock or price hikes by the producers.
Mercy Wanjiku, a vegetable vendor in Kiambu town says that arrowroots have become a favourite food for many people but the demand is fast outstripping supply.
“The price of arrowroots has shot up due to a decline in production. This is affecting business in the area. My business has been affected as few customers can afford the increased prices,” says Wanjiku.
Her fears were confirmed by John Ndegwa, a resident in Kiambu.
“Many arrowroots consumers have changed their diet. This is because the quantity of arrowroots has decreased while the prices have gone up,” he said.
Peter Njogu, a farmer at Ngegu, says producing the popular tuber is becoming a problem.
“Venturing in arrowroots farming is at a loss due to the lifestyle changes from one generation to another. The tubers require a lot of water so we have shifted from growing arrowroots to other crops,” said Njogu.
Kiambu sub-county agricultural officer Elizabeth Mukora advices people not to ignore these traditional foods like cassava, sweet potatoes and arrowroots as they are better than the processed foods popular with the young generation.