The weekly market in Lolo, located in the Logone Occidental province of Chad, is experiencing a significant increase in food prices, causing worry among traders and consumers. The market, which takes place every Tuesday, attracts numerous traders from various provinces. With its strategic location 20 kilometers from Moundou and 100 kilometers from the Cameroon border, Lolo is an agricultural and pastoral hub, particularly known for goat, sheep, and poultry farming.
Several staple foods at the market have seen price hikes. A coro of beans now sells for 1,000 CFA francs, while a 40-kilogram sack costs 40,000 CFA francs. Cassava flour for food preparation is priced at 300 CFA francs per coro, with a 40-kilogram sack costing 12,000 CFA francs. The type used for local beverage production, known as "argui," is sold at 250 CFA francs per coro, or 10,000 CFA francs per sack. Groundnuts are going for 1,000 CFA francs per coro.
The market's location on the Moundou-Cameroon axis makes it a hub for traders from various localities, including Logone Occidental, Tandjilé, Logone Oriental, Mandoul, and parts of Moyen-Chari. The market also has a dedicated section for livestock trading. When questioned about the price surge, traders and economic operators provided different explanations. Some attribute the increase to poor rainfall during the 2026-2027 agricultural season.
Others believe that despite insufficient rainfall, prices remain relatively affordable. Local stakeholders are concerned about the situation. Adam Hisseine Madbo, the market delegate, compared prices between the 2024-2025 and 2026 seasons, finding current prices to be particularly high. He advised farmers to manage their harvested cereals wisely, warning that famine already threatens several households in Chad.
Mbaïhindara Judam, secretary-general of the market's management committee, attributed the price hike to poor rainfall and field devastation. He called on the government, specifically the Ministry of Agriculture, to take measures to supply farmers with early variety seeds and provide assistance to populations facing food insecurity across different provinces.
Adam Hisseine Madbo recalled that the Lolo weekly market, established in 1987, has experienced several episodes of food price increases. The current situation has raised concerns about the impact on consumers and the local economy. As Christmas and year-end celebrations approach, stakeholders are watching the situation closely.
The Lolo market plays a vital role in the region's economy, and the price surge has significant implications for traders, consumers, and the broader community. With the agricultural sector being a crucial part of Chad's economy, the government's response to the situation will be closely monitored.
Key points
- The Lolo weekly market in Chad is experiencing a significant increase in food prices, causing concern among traders and consumers ahead of Christmas and year-end celebrations.
