The Irish potato, also known as the white potato, has become a staple crop in many African countries. This crop was first introduced to Africa by European colonizers in the 16th century and has since become an important source of food and income for many communities across the continent.
Today, the Irish potato industry in Africa is a vital sector of the economy, with many small-scale farmers producing the crop for both local consumption and export. Despite the challenges faced by the industry, such as disease outbreaks and fluctuating market prices, the Irish potato has proven to be a resilient and valuable crop for many African farmers.
Here are some statistics and prices related to the Irish potato industry in Africa:
- Production: According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Nigeria is currently the largest producer of Irish potatoes in Africa. As of 2021, Nigeria produced approximately 3.9 million metric tons of Irish potatoes, followed by Ethiopia with 2.9 million metric tons and Egypt with 1.5 million metric tons. Other major producers of Irish potatoes in Africa include Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda.
- Prices: The retail price of Irish potatoes in Africa can vary significantly depending on the country, season, and market conditions. In general, prices tend to be higher in urban areas than in rural areas, due to transportation costs and higher demand. According to Trading Economics, the average retail price of these potatoes in Kenya was around KES 75 per kilogram in March 2023, while in South Africa, the average retail price was around ZAR 20 per kilogram in January 2023. In some countries, such as Egypt, the government regulates the price of the potatoes to ensure affordability for consumers. In February 2022, the average retail price of the potatoes in Egypt was around EGP 5 per kilogram.
- Consumption: In some African countries, such as Egypt and South Africa, potatoes are a staple food and are consumed in various forms, including boiled, mashed, fried, and roasted. The per capita consumption of potatoes in Africa varies by country, but it is estimated to be around 15-20 kg per year on average. This is lower than the global average of around 33 kg per year. According to a report by the International Potato Center, the per capita consumption of Irish potatoes in North African countries such as Egypt, Algeria, and Morocco is generally higher than in sub-Saharan Africa. Within sub-Saharan Africa, South Africa and Zimbabwe are reported to have relatively high per capita consumption of potatoes. It is worth noting that these potatoes are widely consumed and used in various cuisines across Africa, and the largest consumer of Irish potatoes may vary depending on factors such as population size, cultural practices, and economic development.
- Trade: Some African countries, such as Egypt and South Africa, export significant quantities of Irish potatoes to other countries in the region and beyond. In 2020, Egypt exported around 100,000 tonnes of potatoes, primarily to countries in the Middle East. The value of potato imports to Africa was around $115 million in 2019, with the largest importers being Angola, Kenya, and Tanzania. The value of potato exports from Africa was around $306 million in 2019, with the largest exporters being Egypt, Morocco, and South Africa.
- Challenges: The Irish potato industry in Africa faces several challenges, including disease outbreaks, lack of access to high-quality seeds, and climate change. Pests and diseases, such as potato blight, can cause significant losses for farmers and affect the quality of the crop. In some countries, such as Ethiopia, farmers also struggle with low yields and limited access to markets. Climate change is also a growing concern for the potato industry in Africa, as changes in temperature and rainfall patterns can affect crop growth and yield.
- Opportunities: There are several opportunities for the Irish potato industry in Africa to grow and become more profitable. These include expanding the production of processed potato products, promoting exports to other regions, and increasing the use of modern technologies, such as irrigation, mechanization, and improved seed varieties.
Ultimately, the Irish potato industry in Africa has the potential for growth and development, given the large and growing population in many African countries and the high demand for nutritious and affordable food. However, challenges such as limited access to inputs, lack of infrastructure, and low productivity levels can hinder the industry’s growth. Despite these challenges, the Irish potato industry in Africa has the potential to grow significantly, given the growing demand for potatoes as a staple food and the increasing interest in value-added potato products, such as chips and fries. The development of the potato industry in Africa could contribute significantly to the continent’s food security, employment, and economic growth.
Sources: Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, International Potato Center (CIP), African Development Bank (AfDB), International Trade Centre (ITC).
