Dried shelled cow peas market in Malawi

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for dried shelled cow peas in Malawi increased from 42 416 t in 2018 to 52 154 t in 2020. After a slight dip to 49 700 t in 2022, it recovered strongly to reach 56 630 t in 2023.

In 2024, production faced constraints due to the sector's heavy reliance on rain-fed agriculture and inadequate irrigation systems. At the same time, fertiliser prices soared nationwide, driven by global cost pressures and local foreign exchange shortages, raising input costs for legume growers.

Production dried shelled cow peas in Malawi

In kind, 2017-2020, t

On a global scale, Malawi ranked as the 16th largest producer of dried shelled cow peas from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of dried shelled cow peas, 2017-2020

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

Malawi's production of dried shelled cow peas grew for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 52 488 tonnes, marking a 6.0% increase compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 9%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 2.9%. The lowest production volume was recorded in 2018 at 42 456 tonnes. That year also saw the largest decline, with production dropping by 11.9%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the biggest increase, with production surging by 16.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Malawi in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports dried shelled cow peas from Malawi

Exports in kind, t

The market for dried shelled cow peas exports from Malawi showed significant fluctuations during this period. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 47.0 tonnes, while the highest occurred in 2019, reaching 388.4 tonnes—a difference of 8.3 times between these two years. In 2020, exports totaled 336.0 tonnes, representing a sharp decrease of 13.5% compared to 2019. The largest decline was observed in 2018, when exports fell by 84.0%, whereas the largest increase took place in 2019, with exports jumping by 726.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Tanzania, Turkey, and China were the main markets for Malawi's dried shelled cow peas exports in volume terms. Tanzania accounted for 23.0% of exports, Turkey for 19.3%, and China for 14.5%. Together, these three countries represented 56.7% of Malawi's total export flows during this period.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The value of Malawi's dried shelled cow peas exports displayed an unstable trend over these years. The lowest export value was recorded in 2018 at 117.8 thousand US dollars, while the peak occurred in 2020, reaching 756.6 thousand US dollars—a 6.4-fold difference. In 2020, exports surged by 153.1% compared to the previous year. The largest decline happened in 2018, with a drop of 83.4%, and the largest increase was in 2019, with a rise of 153.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Tanzania, China, and Turkey were the key partners for Malawi's dried shelled cow peas exports in value terms. Tanzania made up 37.9% of exports, China accounted for 31.8%, and Turkey represented 8.8%. Combined, these three markets contributed 78.4% of Malawi's total export value during this timeframe.

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

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

Imports dried shelled cow peas to Malawi

Imports in kind, t

Imports of dried shelled cow peas into Malawi were volatile during the observed period. The lowest import volume was in 2017, while the highest was recorded in 2018 at 6.9 tonnes—a 7.3-fold difference between these two years. In 2020, imports totaled 2.2 tonnes, up by 10.4% compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with imports falling by 70.7%, and the largest increase was in 2018, when imports soared by 629.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, India, South Africa, and Zambia were the primary sources for Malawi's dried shelled cow peas imports in volume terms. India supplied 41.7% of imports, South Africa contributed 27.0%, and Zambia accounted for 24.8%. Together, these three countries represented 93.4% of Malawi's total import flows during this period.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The value of Malawi's dried shelled cow peas imports showed an unstable pattern over these years. The lowest import value was in 2020 at 0.5 thousand US dollars, while the peak was in 2018, reaching 20.1 thousand US dollars—a 41-fold gap. In 2020, imports plummeted by 88.3% compared to the previous year. The largest increase was recorded in 2018, with a jump of 2,282.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, South Africa was the leading source for Malawi's dried shelled cow peas imports in value terms, accounting for 74.9% of total imports. Other countries played a smaller role in the import market during this period.

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

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