Dried shelled cow peas market in Western Africa

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2023, the market for dried shelled cow peas in Western Africa underwent substantial shifts in volume. The period opened with steady growth, as market size increased from 7 834 thousand tons in 2018 to 8 422 thousand tons by 2020. This upward trajectory was abruptly reversed in 2021, when the market contracted sharply to 7 242 thousand tons.

A dramatic recovery followed in 2022, with market volume surging to a peak of 8 793 thousand tons. This rebound not only erased the previous year's losses but also set a new high for the period. The market then moderated in 2023, settling at 8 078 thousand tons, which remained significantly above the levels seen at the start of the series.

Production dried shelled cow peas in Western 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

Western Africa's production of dried shelled cow peas has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 8 423 thousand tonnes, marking a moderate increase of 6.3% compared to 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 20.8%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 6.5%.

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

Exports dried shelled cow peas from Western Africa

Exports in kind, t

The export market for dried shelled cow peas from Western Africa experienced significant volatility during this period. In 2019, exports hit their lowest point at just 7.4 tonnes, but then surged dramatically to 495.5 tonnes in 2020—an increase of 6 581.3% year-over-year. This represents a 67-fold difference between the peak in 2020 and the trough in 2019. The sharpest decline occurred in 2019, when exports dropped by 93.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, exports of dried shelled cow peas from Western Africa were distributed across numerous markets. The top three destinations—the United Kingdom (30.5% of exports), Ireland (5.9%), and the United Arab Emirates (4.8%)—collectively accounted for only 41.2% of total export volumes, indicating a highly diversified market structure.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Export values also showed considerable volatility. In 2019, exports reached their lowest point at 8.0 thousand US dollars, but then jumped sharply to 359.9 thousand US dollars in 2020—a gain of 4 379.6% compared to the previous year. This created a 45-fold gap between the peak in 2020 and the trough in 2019. The most significant decline was recorded in 2019, with a drop of 92.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the export market in value terms remained highly diversified. The United Kingdom (15.2% of export value), the United Arab Emirates (6.2%), and Ireland (6.1%) together made up just 27.5% of total flows. The remaining 72.5% came from a wide range of smaller markets, forming a long tail in the export structure.

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

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

Imports dried shelled cow peas to Western Africa

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes of dried shelled cow peas into Western Africa were volatile over the observed period. In 2017, imports were at their minimum of 219.5 tonnes, but peaked in 2018 at 395.9 tonnes—a 22-fold variation between these years. By 2020, imports had declined to 219.5 tonnes, down 24.5% from 2019. The largest increase occurred in 2018, with a jump of 2 075.7%, while the steepest decline was in 2019, falling by 26.6%.

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

During 2017–2020, Portugal and Canada were the primary sources for imports in kind, though their combined share was relatively small at just 2.2% of total import volumes.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Import values exhibited volatility as well. In 2017, they were at their lowest point of 232.8 thousand US dollars, but rose to a peak of 461.7 thousand US dollars in 2018—a 2.1-fold difference. By 2020, imports had contracted to 232.8 thousand US dollars, a sudden drop of 31.8% from the previous year. The most notable increase was in 2018, with a rise of 110.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, imports in value terms were spread across a broad range of markets. Portugal (7.3% of import value), Canada (7.0%), and Belgium (2.9%) together accounted for only 17.2% of total flows, highlighting the diversified nature of the import market.

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

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