– Rising cost of inputs crippling us – Dealers
By Zahraddeen Yakubu Shuaibu
Every morning, before the first rays of sunlight touch the dusty roads of Karfi town in Kano State, hundreds of women and youths already storm the roadside market to buy fresh corn. The small town, located on the outskirts of Kano metropolis, transforms daily into one of the busiest corn markets in Northern Nigeria.
Traders, farmers, and buyers troop in from various parts of Kano and neighbouring towns, all converging on the bustling Karfi market to trade in maize — locally known as “masara.” The market has become a lifeline for thousands, particularly women and youths who dominate the corn-selling business.
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Agro Climate News exclusively reports that majority of the sellers are women who have turned corn roasting and boiling into a steady source of income. They buy directly from the Karfi market in bulk, transport the maize to city roadsides, and sell to passers-by and motorists. Others prepare and sell within the market itself, catering to the steady flow of visitors and traders.
“I’ve been in this business for five years,” said Madam Gloria, a mother of four. “From this corn, I feed my family and pay my children’s school fees. Karfi market gives us life.”
In an interview with our reporter who visited the market, Madam Gloria shared that she travels daily from the Sabon-Gari area of Kano metropolis to buy corn, which she then sells after boiling or roasting it.
“I purchase one portion (Kashi) every day. In the past, it used to cost between N50,000 and N60,000, but the price has dropped now to about N25,000 to N30,000. I’m able to make a profit honestly. This has been my business for a long time, and it has been sustaining me,” she explained.
Another buyer, Abubakar Kabir, who sells at the busy BUK road, mentioned that he sells at least three to four portions of corn each day, as the road attracts many pedestrians and motomotorists.
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“I come to Karfi market every day to buy fresh corn. I usually buy three to four portions, and they sell out quickly. Most of my customers are passers-by who stop to buy for themselves or their families.
“This is my means of livelihood. I have two boys working for me who assist with serving customers and running other errands. I’m content with this business. When the corn is scarce, I switch to selling charcoal,” he added.
Teenage girls changing the narratives
In addition to women and young people who rely solely on the corn-selling business, teenagers from neighboring villages are also frequenting the market, contributing to increased traffic and sales for the vendors.
Among these teenagers, 90 percent are girls who purchase and cook the corn before selling it around the markets and on the streets, delivering it directly to their customers’ doorsteps.
“We come from Bunkure to buy corn here,” one teenager, Jamila Idris, explained. “Some of us sell within the Karfi market, while others sell at motor parks or in the city.
“We can’t sell an entire portion in one day, so we form groups to buy one portion among ourselves. There are two of us who can sell a portion in a day. We are happy because we support our parents and even save money for our future marriages.”
Rising cost of inputs crippling us – Dealers
Despite a thriving segment of the market, dealers are expressing concern as their profits have declined by over 50%. They attribute this situation to rising farm input costs and decreasing food prices across the nation.
Balarabe Safiyanu, a dealer with 15 years of experience, mentioned that many are contemplating reducing their production due to the lower profits. “Some of us are now considering farming rice or other crops as alternatives. We’re not pulling out entirely, but we need to find other means of earning,” he explained.
Nonetheless, he referred to the market as his second home, emphasizing its importance in his life. “The market is like a home to me. It is where I earn the money to feed my family. From my earnings here, I built my house and bought a motorcycle. I’m very happy. However, like any venture, there are challenges, and this is one we’re currently facing,” he said.
Balarabe further illustrated how the market draws people from various parts of Kano and neighboring states. He noted that over 5,000 people visit the market daily.
“This is one of the largest markets in Katlrfi Town. While we also have an onion and vegetable market, this one is more prominent and attracts more visitors during this season. It supports hundreds of youth, women, and even elderly people. Teenagers are also significantly represented in the market,” he added.
“People come from places like Kaduna, Zaria, Kura, Tudun Bayero, Dawakin Kudu, Kumbotso, Mariri, Larabar Abasawa, and Jigawa to buy or sell corn here,” he told Agro Climate News.
The market turnover
According to local estimates, more than 5,000 people earn a living directly or indirectly from the corn trade in Karfi every day — from farmers and transporters to roasters, boilers, and firewood sellers. The market’s economic impact ripples far beyond the town, serving as a distribution hub that sustains livelihoods across the region.
Beyond its economic value, Karfi’s corn market has also become a symbol of resilience and entrepreneurship among rural communities. With little formal support, traders have organised themselves into cooperative groups to manage space, prices, and seasonal supplies.
As the rainy season gives way to harvest time, the market swells even more, drawing attention from curious visitors and traders from across Kano. For them, Karfi is not just a market — it’s a place where hope is roasted daily over glowing embers.
Agro Climate News
