The Acholi subregion is known for its rich and fertile soil which is suitable for both commercial and subsistence farming.

However, the region is currently experiencing a massive change in weather which in turn has affected crop production. The drop in growth of cereal crops has seen a hike in prices and Because of the tripled expenses, commercial farmers are registering continued losses and COU Family TV spoke to some of them about this issue.

Acholi region is known for the production of Simsim, rice, sorghum, millet, beans, and maize which are the major consumed food crops across the country.

Due to the rapid development of the region after 25 years of insurgency, the region has attracted a large number of people from different regions, raising the demand for those cereal crops and forcing produce dealers to import some of the bean variety from other regions.

As a result of inadequate supply by the local farmers in the region leading to the importation of beans from other regions, there was a hike in prices of the local market across Gulu city.

Low production of commonly consumed beans known as yellow beans and the Kanyewa in the local markets across Gulu city and the surrounding market is worrying.

A kilo of yellow beans which used to cost below five thousand shillings has gone up to between eight thousand and nine thousand shillings in both local markets and produce stores in Gulu city.

A number of factors including low production by farmers and costs incurred by the dealers in importing those beans from other regions since they are not locally produced by the local farmers have seen the costs rising.

Anet Susan Ayaa, a vendor at Cereleno market explained the reason why the import of beans from other regions is now a trend.

She however advised the local farmers to spring up and meet the high demand for beans.

Lamwaka Merry, a red groundnut vendor at Oliolong market also noted that they spend a lot of money on importing red groundnuts from Arua to Gulu thus the hike in prices.

Josephine Akelolok a vendor at the same market said that the high cost of transportation of the beans from other regions causes prices to escalate.

Amito Jennet still deals in small beans that are produced locally within the region and says she is registering low sales because customers are very few and others opt for the new variety of beans.

 Apiyo Alice, a cereal farmer in Koro Abili in Omoro district explained why they cannot produce enough to feed the rising demand for cereals.

She noted environmental hazards hence affecting the weather pattern in the region.