Dried shelled pigeon peas market in Benin

Earlier Report Observations

The market for dried shelled pigeon peas in Benin, measured by production volume, experienced significant fluctuations between 2018 and 2023. After starting at 14 088 t in 2018, output gradually declined to 11 468 t in 2021, a drop of nearly 19% over three years. This downward trend was interrupted in 2022 when production rebounded sharply to 13 134 t, an increase of 14.5% from the previous year. However, the recovery proved temporary, as output fell again in 2023 to 11 492 t, bringing the market volume close to the 2021 low.

International trade had a minimal impact on the market size throughout the period, with imports never exceeding 5 t per year and exports being negligible. As a result, the domestic market volume, which closely tracked production, followed the same pattern of decline, a single-year rebound, and a subsequent contraction.

A 2024 study provided context for these production patterns, identifying pigeon peas as an underutilized legume in Benin. The research highlighted that despite the crop's recognized fertilizing, nutritional, and medicinal value, the revenues it generates are often not formally accounted for in farming systems. This lack of economic visibility threatens the viability of smallholder operations and may contribute to the observed instability in output.

Production dried shelled pigeon peas in Benin

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Globally, Benin ranked as the 10th largest producer of dried shelled pigeon peas from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of dried shelled pigeon peas, 2017-2020

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

Benin's production of dried shelled pigeon peas declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 12 555 tonnes, marking a 9.5% year-on-year decrease. Between 2017 and 2020, production fell by 7%, which translates to an average annual decline of 2.4%. The highest output was recorded in 2018 at 14 088 tonnes, when production saw its largest increase of 4.4%.

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

Exports dried shelled pigeon peas from Benin

According to industry reports, Benin did not export any dried shelled pigeon peas between 2017 and 2020.

Imports dried shelled pigeon peas to Benin

Imports in kind, kg

Benin's imports of dried shelled pigeon peas rose for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country imported 4 778 kilograms, representing a substantial 342.3% increase compared to the previous year. From 2018 to 2020, imports surged by 11 844.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 392.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Benin in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom accounted for 82.8% of Benin's total imports of dried shelled pigeon peas by volume. The remaining share was spread across other destinations, each contributing smaller amounts.

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

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

Imports in value, $ US

Benin's imports of dried shelled pigeon peas in value terms increased for the second year running. In 2020, imports totaled 4 379 US dollars, reflecting a sharp rise of 403.7% year-on-year. Between 2018 and 2020, import value grew by 4 893.2%, averaging an annual increase of 268.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the top destinations for Benin's imports of dried shelled pigeon peas by value were the United Kingdom (48.0% of total import value), the United Arab Emirates (27.4%), and India (24.6%). Together, these three countries made up 100% of the import flows.

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

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