The study found that the cost of a typical food basket has risen by 140% since 2002.

They are obliged to either barter or sell items from the food basket in order to meet their other essential needs.

The community has for long been a food basket for the sub-county as it produces over 95% of foods consumed by the households.

For example, a few more rural cities serve as the food basket and produce most of the region's locally produced food.

All ariki (high chiefs) also had a strong personal tapu which prevented any common person eating out of the same food basket or using anything belonging to the chief.