Dried shelled cow peas market in Eastern Africa

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, production of dried shelled cow peas in Eastern Africa increased from 481.6 thousand tonnes to 832.1 thousand tonnes, while market volume grew from 457.8 thousand tonnes to 802.9 thousand tonnes. This expansion coincided with agricultural successes in regions like Meru County, where the development of fresh produce markets and a policy focus on trade under Kenya Vision 2030 supported the sector by enhancing distribution channels and encouraging small enterprise participation.

Production fell to 513.8 thousand tonnes in 2022, with market volume dropping to 495.5 thousand tonnes. A recovery began in 2023 as production reached 605.1 thousand tonnes, driven by a 10.9% rise in intra-regional trade within the East African Community and ongoing efforts to resolve non-tariff barriers, which improved market access for agricultural exports and facilitated cross-border engagements.

Production dried shelled cow peas in Eastern Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of dried shelled cow peas, 2017-2020

World map of production of dried shelled cow peas, 2017-2020

Eastern Africa's production of dried shelled cow peas has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 692.0 thousand tonnes, marking a significant 26.7% increase from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 44.7%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 13.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Eastern Africa in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports dried shelled cow peas from Eastern Africa

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Eastern Africa exported 16 891 tonnes of dried shelled cow peas, showing a modest 3.5% increase compared to 2019. Over the four-year span from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 2.8%, averaging 0.9% per year. The lowest export volume was in 2019 at 16 324 tonnes, while the peak occurred in 2018 with 24 182 tonnes. The most notable decline was in 2019, down 32.5%, whereas the largest jump was in 2018, up 47.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Eastern Africa in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Eastern Africa's exports of dried shelled cow peas were distributed across many countries. India accounted for 20.4% of exports, the United Arab Emirates for 12.6%, and Vietnam for 10.6%. Together, these three countries made up 43.5% of the total export volume, indicating a relatively diversified market.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Eastern Africa in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

After two years of decline, the value of dried shelled cow peas exports from Eastern Africa rebounded in 2020. Exports reached 10 152 thousand US dollars, a strong 20.4% increase from 2019. However, over the full period from 2017 to 2020, export value decreased by 4.5%, with an average annual decline of 1.5%. The lowest point was in 2019 at 8 429 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest drop of 18.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Eastern Africa in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

The value-based export structure from 2017 to 2020 reveals a diverse range of trading partners. India held 18.9% of export value, the United Arab Emirates 13.2%, and Turkey 10.5%. Combined, these three countries represented 42.5% of total flows, while the remaining 57.5% was spread across numerous smaller markets.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Eastern Africa in value, 2017-2020

Imports dried shelled cow peas to Eastern Africa

Imports in kind, t

The import market for dried shelled cow peas in Eastern Africa showed an unstable trend during this period. Imports hit their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a 75-fold difference between these years. In 2020, imports amounted to 1 503 tonnes, a sharp 31.0% decrease from 2019. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 2 178 tonnes, and the largest increase occurred in 2018, soaring by 1 157.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Eastern Africa in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, South Africa was the leading supplier of dried shelled cow peas to Eastern Africa, accounting for 0.8% of total imports by volume.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Eastern Africa in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

The import market in value terms displayed volatility over the observed years. The lowest value was in 2018 at 426 thousand US dollars, while the highest was in 2019 at 2 364 thousand US dollars, a peak-to-trough ratio of 5.5 times. In 2020, imports stood at 1 761 thousand US dollars, representing a substantial 25.5% decline from the previous year. The largest decrease was in 2018, down 42.5%, and the biggest increase was in 2019, up 454.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Eastern Africa in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Throughout 2017 to 2020, South Africa remained the primary supplier of dried shelled cow peas to Eastern Africa in value terms, consistently holding 3.7% of total imports.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Eastern Africa in value, 2017-2020