VOICED : Ebola inflicts heavy toll on Guinean potato trade

The video discusses the severe impact of the Ebola epidemic on the local potato economy. With borders closed, exports have halted, causing a significant drop in potato prices. The local variety, Bell Guinea, has seen its price plummet from €50 to €15 per kilo. Farmers are delaying harvests due to weak market conditions. The crisis is more economic than health-related, with high production costs and financial losses leading to despair among growers. The World Bank has provided $31 million in aid to Guinea to help mitigate the crisis and support the potato industry.

What has been the primary effect of the Ebola epidemic on the local potato industry?

• Increased potato production

• Closure of borders affecting exports

• Improved market conditions

• Decrease in potato consumption

How has the price of the local potato variety, Bell Guinea, changed since the Ebola outbreak?

• Increased to €75 per kilo

• Dropped to €15 per kilo

• Remained stable at €50 per kilo

• Increased to €100 per kilo

Why are some potato growers delaying their harvests?

• To wait for better market conditions

• Due to labor shortages

• To increase potato size

• To reduce storage costs

What is a significant concern for traders in the local markets during the Ebola crisis?

• Increased competition

• High production costs

• Health risks

• Lack of transportation

What financial assistance did Guinea receive to help cope with the Ebola crisis?

• $50 million from the World Health Organization

• $31 million from the World Bank

• $20 million from the United Nations

• $15 million from the African Union