The bean industry in Africa is an important sector that provides food, income, and employment opportunities for millions of people across the continent. This industry in Africa is an important sector of the agricultural industry, as beans are a staple food for many African populations. Beans are also an important source of protein and other nutrients, making them an essential component of a healthy diet.
Here are some statistics and prices related to the beans industry in Africa:
- Production: In 2021, Africa produced approximately 8.7 million tonnes of beans. Nigeria is the largest producer of beans in Africa, accounting for about 35% of the total production, followed by Tanzania with 17% and Ethiopia with 10%. Other major producers of beans in Africa include Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda.
- Varieties: The main varieties of beans produced in Africa include red beans, black beans, kidney beans, and cowpeas. Cowpeas are particularly popular in West Africa, while red beans are more common in East and Southern Africa.
- Prices: Beans prices in Africa vary depending on the country, variety, season, supply, demand, and quality. In some countries, beans are subsidized by the government to help keep prices low for consumers. In Nigeria, as of March 2023, the retail price of a 50kg bag of white beans ranges from NGN 20,000 to NGN 30,000 (USD 49 to USD 73), while the retail price of a 50kg bag of brown beans ranges from NGN 27,000 to NGN 35,000 (USD 66 to USD 86). In Tanzania, as of March 2023, the retail price of a 100kg bag of red beans ranges from TZS 180,000 to TZS 220,000 (USD 77 to USD 94), while the retail price of a 100kg bag of white beans ranges from TZS 160,000 to TZS 200,000 (USD 69 to USD 86).
- Exports: Africa exports a significant amount of beans to other countries, with major export destinations including Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. In 2020, Africa exported approximately 2.4 million tonnes of beans, with Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Uganda being the largest exporters.
- Consumption: Beans are a staple food in many African countries and are consumed by millions of people across the continent. The per capita consumption of beans varies by country, with some countries such as Rwanda and Burundi having particularly high levels of consumption.
- Challenges: The beans industry in Africa faces several challenges, including pests and diseases such as bean rust and bean weevil. These pests can cause significant losses for farmers and reduce yields. Lack of access to credit and markets also hinders the growth of the industry, as many farmers struggle to secure financing and find buyers for their crops. Inadequate infrastructure, such as poor roads and storage facilities, also contributes to post-harvest losses and reduces the quality of beans.
- Efforts to improve the industry: Several initiatives are underway to address the challenges facing the beans industry in Africa. For example, the African Bean Consortium is a partnership between researchers, farmers, and other stakeholders aimed at improving the production and marketing of beans in Africa. The consortium works to develop new varieties of beans that are resistant to pests and diseases, as well as to improve access to credit and markets for farmers.
Ultimately, the beans industry in Africa has the potential to play an important role in promoting food security and economic development in the region, and efforts to strengthen this industry are likely to have positive impacts on the lives and livelihoods of many Africans.
Sources: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Pan-Africa Bean Research Alliance (PABRA)
