I picked up the list of food items I had written early this morning, saying a little prayer as I stepped out of my house to go get those items to restock my empty kitchen, a few years back, the same amount would have gotten me food items and other home necessities that would last me for two months or more, but here I am with a throbbing heart and shaky breath as I said that little prayer hoping for the price of foodstuffs and other items I had on my list to remain same.

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This is how devastating the economic situation of my country has gotten, literally everything in the nation has felt the impact of inflation, and families can no longer afford three square healthy meals. True to my fears, I arrived at the first store and asked for the current price of rice, the most common and favorite meal of Nigerian kids, the price has more than tripled, and about a year back, we got a derive(measurement cup) if rice for 500 naira, and today, sane measurement sells for 1500 naira, how outrageous, the worst part of it all is that as everything increases, our salaries still remain the same, while for businessmen and women, we now experience lower income due to this same high cost.

Mothers I met at the store couldn't stop lamenting about the good old days when they were able to afford healthy meals for their children and even bought multivitamins for them to increase their appetite so they look healthy, now, we can't afford the food talk less of multivitamin, who dares to increase the appetite of children that don't even have enough to eat, the effect of the food cost can be seen in children looking very lanky and unhealthy because some parent are now left with no choice than to give their children only what they can afford, without whether it is nutritious or not, how sad.

The impact of Inflation on business, my personal journey

As most of you know, I'm a fashion designer by profession and the
materials needed to make these outfits are sourced from the fabric market, just like foodstuffs, these materials from fabric, rhinestones, appliques, etc have experienced a tremendous price increase, how then can we convince clients that haven't had a slight increase in salary to pay double the price they are used to, it has led most clients to just give up on the luxury of owning a new dress this period, which in turn means lesser jobs and profit for me, even when I try to negotiate and come to terms with those willing to still make a dress. If not for the passion of the job, I would have given up, just like most of my sewmates, it's truly unbearable, working day and night with no tangible income to be proud of at the end of the day.

Means I've deviced to help cope with the inflation

1 Gardening

Look at the little garden behind me in this picture, it was cultivated by me and my neighbour early this year, we planted some food crops ranging from corn, potatoes, pepper, pumpkin, water leaf, etc when it is time for harvest, I believe it will reduce the burden of food cost for us, and this is something I encourage my fellow Nigerians to do, you don't have to be a farmer to own a little garden of yours.

2. Diversify your income

The law of physics that"What goes up will always come down" doesn't seem to apply in Nigerian Markets, because since I was born, we've constantly experienced price increases and no fall, so there is no point sitting around and waiting for things to change anytime soon, it's best to device means that can help you and your family sustain this period, and one of which is diversifying your income, For me, I'm a fashion designer who also sells fabrics as a side income and also a hive blogger, joining all income together, it helps me to be able to cater for my family this trying period, it's best to gather little income from all than little from one.

In conclusion,

Tough times don't last, but tough people do, so stay strong, and don't lose hope in yourself, your work, and your country, as the time gets tough with the inflation, continue to device means to adapt, it is wired in us to be able to adapt in any situation, and I hope you find my means helpful, I would also love to learn how you adapt in this trying inflation period, stay strong and don't give up hope.

To my fellow mothers, I implore you to hold fast to hope. Though the road ahead may be more difficult as we have seen it unfold, we possess an inner strength that cannot be diminished by external circumstances. Together, we will weather this storm, adapting and evolving as we have done countless times before.

To those in positions of power and influence, I wish my president reads this and get a glimpse of what the common man faces, I urge you to heed the cries of your people. Implement policies and initiatives that alleviate the burden of inflation, ensuring that no child goes hungry and no parent is forced to sacrifice their dignity in the pursuit of sustenance.

And to all who bear witness to our struggle, my fellow countrymen and women, I ask for your compassion and understanding. Be your brother's keeper, for in doing so, you contribute to the creation of a more just society with hope for change or us all.

The #MarchInleo monthly topics is still ongoing, a wonderful experience so far, with interesting topics to write about, just like this, I hope you join in soon if you haven't.

Image 2 and 3 are mine

Thank you for reading.❤❤

Posted Using InLeo Alpha

Posted Using InLeo Alpha