How IDPs built Abuja’s largest beans market
Ibrahim Philemon was compelled to abandon everything he had built in his youth and flee his native Gwoza for Karu in Nasarawa State because of Boko Haram’s relentless attacks on his community. Philemon is among thousands of other farmers who fled their towns because of intensified security risks posed by Boko Haram militants. But these […]
Ibrahim Philemon fled his hometown Gwoza due to Boko Haram attacks and became an internally displaced person (IDP) in Nasarawa State's Karu. Along with thousands of other farmers, Philemon sought refuge in Karu after Boko Haram captured Gwoza in August 2014. They established 13 camps in Karu, cleared forests and uncultivated lands to plant crops, and started agricultural activities in the region.
As the displaced farmers began to harvest more beans and maize, they faced challenges in selling their crops at profitable prices. This led to the establishment of one of the largest beans markets in Nigeria in 2016 near Abuja, as reported. David Yakubu, the secretary of the beans market, explained that the idea came about due to difficulties faced in selling their produce at Ibadan and other locations.
The market was established to provide farmers with a local platform to sell their goods without having to travel long distances.
The market initially started in a bushy area and has since expanded to cover about three hectares. The traders initially rented the land and later purchased it to make it their permanent location. The market attracts buyers from major commercial centers such as Ibadan and Lagos, and over 10 trailers with beans alone leave the market every month.
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