Pumpkins, squash and gourds market in Western Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh or chilled pumpkins, squash and gourds in Western Africa exhibited strong growth from 2018 to 2023, with its volume more than doubling from 244 thousand tonnes to 630 thousand tonnes. This expansion was primarily fueled by a surge in domestic production, which mirrored the market's upward trajectory.

Following consistent growth in 2019 and 2020, the market volume contracted by 15% in 2021 to 331 thousand tonnes. This dip proved temporary, as a remarkable rebound occurred in 2022 with a 58% jump to 522 thousand tonnes. Growth continued in 2023, bringing the total market size to 630 thousand tonnes.

Throughout this period, trade played a negligible role, with import and export volumes remaining minimal compared to production. The overall trend highlights a rapidly expanding domestic market for these vegetables in the region.

Production pumpkins, squash and gourds in Western Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of pumpkins, squash and gourds, 2017-2020

World map of production of pumpkins, squash and gourds, 2017-2020

Western Africa's production of pumpkins, squash, and gourds has increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 387.7 thousand tonnes, marking a significant 24.8% rise from 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 56.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 16.2%. The lowest production level was in 2018, at 244.5 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 1.1%. In contrast, 2019 recorded the biggest increase at 27.1%.

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

Exports pumpkins, squash and gourds from Western Africa

Exports in kind, t

Exports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds from Western Africa have risen for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 1 061 tonnes, up 16.1% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 44.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 13.1%. The lowest export volume was in 2018, at 653 tonnes, which also experienced the largest decline of 11.0%. The biggest increase occurred in 2019, at 40.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, exports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds from Western Africa were primarily directed to Italy and France, which together accounted for 82.5% of total flows. Other destinations played a minor role in the export 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

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2020, with a 3.5-fold difference between these years. In 2020, exports from Western Africa amounted to 1 196 thousand US dollars, showing a sharp increase of 158.3% from 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 346 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 31.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the main destinations for exports in value terms were Italy, with 49.5% of the total, the United Kingdom at 28.5%, and France at 15.7%. Together, these three countries accounted for 93.7% of total export flows.

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 pumpkins, squash and gourds to Western Africa

Imports in kind, t

Imports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds into Western Africa have increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports totaled 2 133 tonnes, reflecting a substantial 484.4% rise compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 1 136.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 131.2%.

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

During 2017–2020, the primary sources for imports in kind were Morocco, with 39.0% of the total, Spain at 7.8%, and Portugal at 6.3%. Combined, these three countries represented 53.1% of total import flows.

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

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations over the period. Imports hit their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2020, varying 3.9 times between these years. In 2020, imports into Western Africa totaled 975 thousand US dollars, representing a 213.6% increase from 2019. The minimum value was in 2018 at 251 thousand US dollars, which also recorded the largest decline of 32.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the supplier portfolio for pumpkins, squash, and gourds to Western Africa was diverse. Morocco contributed 14.4% of imports in value terms, Spain 13.9%, and Portugal 10.8%, together making up 39.1% of total imports. Many other countries had smaller but notable shares in the import structure.

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

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