Dried shelled pigeon peas market in Eastern Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The market for dried shelled pigeon peas in Eastern Africa experienced significant fluctuations between 2018 and 2023. After starting at 631 thousand tons in 2018, the market volume dropped to 522 thousand tons in 2019. This decline coincided with a sharp increase in exports, which rose from 7 thousand tons to 96 thousand tons, reducing domestic availability even as production held steady near 618 thousand tons. The market recovered to 590 thousand tons in 2020, driven by a production surge to 784 thousand tons that more than offset another rise in exports to 206 thousand tons.

A renewed contraction followed in 2021, with the market shrinking to 448 thousand tons. This was primarily due to a decrease in production to 703 thousand tons combined with sustained high exports of 257 thousand tons. The market stabilized in 2022 at 464 thousand tons, as production eased to 685 thousand tons and exports moderated to 223 thousand tons. Then, in 2023, the market expanded sharply to 678 thousand tons, supported by a production spike to 933 thousand tons which outweighed a further increase in exports to 256 thousand tons.

In 2024, key developments included government and research initiatives in Kenya and Tanzania aimed at strengthening the sector. Kenya focused on promoting new climate-resistant pigeon pea varieties and farmer training programs to boost yields. Tanzania intensified efforts to secure stable export markets in India and Malaysia to protect farmer incomes, while also distributing seeds to smallholders. These actions targeted production growth and export stability, though challenges like pest pressures and global price volatility remained.

Production dried shelled pigeon peas in Eastern Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of dried shelled pigeon peas, 2017-2020

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

After a two-year decline, dried shelled pigeon pea production in Eastern Africa rebounded. In 2020, production reached 784.3 K t, marking a 27.0% increase compared to 2019. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 617.8 K t. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 7.5%, which translates to an average annual decline of 2.5%. The most significant drop occurred in 2018, with a 24.7% decrease.

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

Exports dried shelled pigeon peas from Eastern Africa

Exports in kind, K t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 7.4 K t, while the highest was in 2020 at 205.9 K t, representing a 28-fold difference between these years. In 2020, exports from Eastern Africa surged by 113.6% compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with an 85.9% decrease, while the most substantial increase was in 2019, with a remarkable 1 203.4% growth.

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

From 2017 to 2020, India remained the primary destination for dried shelled pigeon peas from Eastern Africa, accounting for 87.6% of total exports in volume. The remaining share was distributed among other countries.

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, M $ US

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. The lowest export value was recorded in 2018 at 4.0 M $ US, and the highest in 2020 at 101.3 M $ US, with a 25-fold difference between these years. In 2020, exports increased sharply by 103.7% compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with an 83.5% decrease, while the most significant increase was in 2019, with a 1 149.3% rise.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the export structure in value terms was dominated by India, which absorbed 88.6% of total flows. A large number of minor partners accounted for the remainder.

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 pigeon peas to Eastern Africa

Imports in kind, K t

Eastern Africa's dried shelled pigeon pea imports increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 11.6 K t, representing a steep uptick of 3 557.7% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 55 296.4%, equating to an average annual rate of 721.3%.

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

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, M $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. The lowest import value was recorded in 2018 at 0.0 M $ US, and the highest in 2020 at 13.2 M $ US, with a 266-fold difference between these years. In 2020, imports rose by 3 473.4% compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a 98.6% decrease.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, India was the primary supplier of dried shelled pigeon peas to Eastern Africa, consistently accounting for 0.6% of total imports in value terms.

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

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