Dried shelled pigeon peas market in Western Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The market for dried shelled pigeon peas in Western Africa contracted from over 15,000 t in 2018 to around 11,500 t in 2021. Pigeon pea is a traditional legume in the region, valued for its nitrogen-fixing properties that support sustainable farming. During this period, research into improved varieties began in Nigeria, aiming to boost long-term production potential.

Market volume partially recovered to 13,194 t in 2022 before dropping sharply to 7,684 t in 2023. This decline was primarily driven by a significant increase in exports, which rose to over 4,000 t. The expansion of exports was facilitated by improving regional trade integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which enhanced market access.

Looking ahead, the market is influenced by a growing consumer demand for plant-based protein sources and technological advances in hybrid seed production. A shift in consumer preference toward organic and non-GMO products is also shaping production and marketing strategies for pigeon peas in the region.

Production dried shelled pigeon peas in Western Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of dried shelled pigeon peas, 2017-2020

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

Western Africa's production of dried shelled pigeon peas declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 12,555 tonnes, marking a moderate decrease of 9.5% from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production fell by 7%, with an average annual decline of 2.4%. Production peaked in 2018 at 14,088 tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 4.4%.

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

Exports dried shelled pigeon peas from Western Africa

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Western Africa's cross-border shipments of dried shelled pigeon peas totaled 505 tonnes, remaining stable compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2020, exports surged by 149,775.1%, translating to an average annual growth rate of 1,044.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, India was the dominant and nearly exclusive market for Western Africa's exports of dried shelled pigeon peas in volume terms, accounting for 90.1% of total shipments.

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

In 2020, Western Africa's exports of dried shelled pigeon peas in value terms amounted to 490,000 US dollars, showing no significant change from 2019. Between 2018 and 2020, exports skyrocketed by 166,091.9%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 1,084.5%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, India and the United Kingdom were the key partner countries for Western Africa's exports in value terms, together making up 95.5% of total flows, with other partners accounting for the remainder.

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 pigeon peas to Western Africa

Imports in kind, t

The market for imports in volume terms experienced noticeable fluctuations during this period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2020 at 18 tonnes, which was 59.7% lower than in 2019, after peaking in 2018 at 1,115 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 96.1%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 5,122.5%, resulting in a 64-fold variation between the peak and lowest points.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China dominated Western Africa's imports of dried shelled pigeon peas in volume terms, accounting for 89.8% of the total, with the rest distributed among a broad group of smaller countries.

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

Imports in value terms showed an unstable trend over the timeframe. The lowest value was recorded in 2017, rising to a peak in 2018 at 1,624,000 US dollars, and then dropping to 50.2% lower in 2020 compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 97.6%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 10,589.9%, creating a 107-fold gap between the highest and lowest points.

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

During 2017 to 2020, the partner base for imports in value terms was extremely narrow, with China alone responsible for 90.9% of total flows.

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

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