Dried shelled peas market in Uganda

Earlier Report Observations

The market for dried shelled peas in Uganda grew from 14 тыс. т in 2018 to 31 тыс. т in 2021, driven primarily by rising imports. This expansion occurred alongside the implementation of the National Environment Act in 2019, which introduced new regulatory standards for agriculture. Regional sanitary restrictions, particularly concerning aflatoxins, constrained Ugandan exports, increasing net domestic availability. The COVID-19 pandemic caused a historic recession in 2020 but did not halt market growth, and a strong post-pandemic economic recovery in 2021, with GDP expanding by 5.1%, boosted consumption and spurred imports to over 19 тыс. т.

After peaking in 2021, the market contracted to 20 тыс. т in 2022 as imports fell sharply, then rebounded to 27 тыс. т in 2023. The recovery was supported by continued economic growth, increased foreign investment, and rising regional demand under trade agreements within the East African Community and COMESA. Throughout the period, domestic production remained stable at 12-13 тыс. т, aided by government programs like Operation Wealth Creation and the Parish Development Model, which distributed improved legume seeds to farmers.

Production dried shelled peas in Uganda

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of dried shelled peas, 2017-2020

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

Uganda's production of dried shelled peas increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 13 200 tonnes, marking a modest 2.1% rise from 2019. Production reached its lowest point in 2018 at 11 805 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 9.9%. The most significant increase occurred in 2019 with a 9.6% growth.

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

Exports dried shelled peas from Uganda

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited considerable volatility during this period. Uganda's exports of dried shelled peas fluctuated significantly, with a 10.1-fold difference between the peak in 2018 and the low in 2020. In 2020, exports amounted to 291 tonnes, representing a sharp 79.0% contraction compared to the previous year. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 2 930 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 115.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, South Sudan served as the primary and nearly exclusive market for Uganda's dried shelled pea exports, accounting for 90.2% of total export volumes.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations throughout the period. Export values varied by a factor of 20 between the high in 2018 and the low in 2020. In 2020, Uganda's foreign supplies of dried shelled peas reached 101 thousand US dollars, indicating a sudden 91.2% year-over-year decline. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 1 975 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 75.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Uganda's export dependence on South Sudan was pronounced, with this market representing 92.2% of total export value for dried shelled peas.

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

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

Imports dried shelled peas to Uganda

Imports in kind, t

Uganda's imports of dried shelled peas increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country imported approximately 11 704 tonnes, showing a steep 37.4% rise compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 131.1%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 32.2%.

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

During 2017–2020, Tanzania and Kenya dominated as suppliers of dried shelled peas to Uganda, together accounting for 97.0% of total import volumes, while other sources each held relatively small shares.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The market demonstrated volatility over the observed period. Import values changed by a factor of 4.6 between the peak in 2020 and the trough in 2018. In 2020, Uganda imported 4 716 thousand US dollars worth of dried shelled peas, reflecting an intense 187.9% uptick versus the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 1 030 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 7.4%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, the import structure in value terms was primarily shaped by Tanzania and Kenya, which together accounted for 94.3% of total flows, with other markets forming a long tail.

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

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