Taro market in Ghana

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, Ghana's taro production increased consistently, with the market volume rising from 1 461 тыс. т to 1 650 тыс. т. This growth was primarily fueled by agricultural research initiatives, notably the West Africa Agricultural Productivity Program (WAAPP) and CSIR, which developed new taro varieties resistant to taro leaf blight and optimized cultivation practices. These efforts helped improve yields and combat a major disease that had previously constrained production.

After 2021, the rate of expansion slowed, with production reaching 1 713 тыс. т in 2023, representing a near-stabilization. The diminished momentum reflected ongoing limitations such as inadequate farming techniques, poor storage infrastructure, and limited market access, which hindered further scaling despite the earlier technological advances. Adverse weather conditions in later years also contributed to flattening yields.

Production taro in Ghana

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Globally, Ghana ranked as the 5th largest producer of taro between 2017 and 2020.

Top producers of taro, 2017-2020

World map of production of taro, 2017-2020

Ghana's taro production grew for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 1 596 thousand tons of taro, marking a 4.7% year-on-year increase. Over the 2017-2020 period, production rose by 15%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.8%.

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

Exports taro from Ghana

Exports in kind, kg

The market showed significant volatility during these years. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2020, with a 17-fold increase between these years. In 2020, Ghana's taro exports totaled 3 013 kg, representing a 617.4% surge compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 79.7%, while the most substantial increase was recorded in 2018, at 1 065.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Ghana in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, the United Kingdom was the leading destination for Ghana's taro exports in kind, accounting for 43.2% of the total. Sweden followed with 17.6%, and Ireland with 16.5%. Together, these three countries made up 77.3% of all exports in kind.

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

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

Exports in value, $ US

The market experienced an unstable trend throughout this period. Export volumes hit their minimum in 2017 and reached their maximum in 2020, showing a 750-fold increase. In 2020, the value of taro exports from Ghana was 7 608 US dollars, which is 990.8% higher than in 2019. The largest decline was in 2019, at 36.0%, while the biggest increase occurred in 2018, at 10 638.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Ireland was the top market for Ghana's taro exports in value terms, representing 51.8% of the total. The United Kingdom accounted for 18.5%, and Sweden for 11.5%. Collectively, these three countries comprised 81.9% of total export flows in value.

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

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

Imports taro to Ghana

Imports in kind, kg

In 2019, Ghana's taro imports amounted to 225 kg, showing little change from the previous year. Over the 2017-2019 period, imports fell by 58.7%, with a compound annual decline rate of 25.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the import market was highly concentrated, with China accounting for 100.0% of Ghana's taro imports in kind.

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

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

Imports in value, $ US

In 2019, Ghana imported taro worth 42 US dollars, remaining nearly unchanged from 2018. Over the 2017-2019 period, imports dropped by 81.2%, with a compound annual decline rate of 42.7%.

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

During 2017-2020, China was the sole source of taro imports to Ghana, making up 100.0% of total imports in value terms.

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

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