Kenya: Pigeon Peas Market 2025

Pigeon Peas Market Size in Kenya

The Kenyan pigeon peas market was estimated at $X in 2021, rising by 3.2% against the previous year. Overall, consumption continues to indicate a abrupt decrease. As a result, consumption attained the peak level of $X. From 2016 to 2021, the growth of the market failed to regain momentum.

Pigeon Peas Production in Kenya

In value terms, pigeon peas production stood at $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production continues to indicate a abrupt curtailment. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 with an increase of 69% against the previous year. As a result, production reached the peak level of $X. From 2016 to 2021, production growth remained at a somewhat lower figure.

In 2021, the average yield of pigeon peas in Kenya reduced to X kg per ha, with a decrease of -11.3% compared with 2020 figures. In general, the yield, however, recorded tangible growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 when the yield increased by 117%. As a result, the yield attained the peak level of X tons per ha. From 2016 to 2021, the growth of the average pigeon peas yield remained at a lower figure. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

In 2021, approx. X ha of pigeon peas were harvested in Kenya; waning by -5.2% on the previous year's figure. Overall, the harvested area showed a drastic downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 when the harvested area increased by 26%. Over the period under review, the harvested area dedicated to pigeon peas production attained the maximum at X ha in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the harvested area stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Pigeon Peas Exports

Exports from Kenya

Pigeon peas exports from Kenya reduced markedly to X tons in 2021, waning by -62.9% compared with 2020. Overall, exports saw a noticeable reduction. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2020 when exports increased by 1,883%. As a result, the exports attained the peak of X tons, and then shrank significantly in the following year.

In value terms, pigeon peas exports dropped notably to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2020 when exports increased by 1,447% against the previous year. The exports peaked at $X in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

India (X tons) was the main destination for pigeon peas exports from Kenya, with a 90% share of total exports. Moreover, pigeon peas exports to India exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Nepal (X tons), more than tenfold.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume to India amounted to -3.6%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Nepal (+7.4% per year) and Democratic Republic of the Congo (0.0% per year).

In value terms, India ($X) remains the key foreign market for pigeon peas exports from Kenya, comprising 89% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Nepal ($X), with a 3.7% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to India was relatively modest. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Nepal (+3.1% per year) and Democratic Republic of the Congo (0.0% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The average pigeon peas export price stood at $X per ton in 2021, growing by 60% against the previous year. Overall, the export price showed a tangible increase. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2021, the export prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Average prices varied noticeably for the major export markets. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was India ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Nepal ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to India (+2.9%).

Pigeon Peas Imports

Imports into Kenya

After three years of growth, overseas purchases of pigeon peas decreased by -80.7% to X tons in 2021. Overall, imports recorded a dramatic decrease. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 with an increase of 765%. Over the period under review, imports reached the maximum at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, pigeon peas imports shrank remarkably to $X in 2021. In general, imports faced a dramatic contraction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when imports increased by 105% against the previous year. Imports peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Tanzania (X tons) was the main pigeon peas supplier to Kenya, accounting for a 95% share of total imports. Moreover, pigeon peas imports from Tanzania exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Malawi (X tons), more than tenfold.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from Tanzania amounted to -24.1%.

In value terms, the largest pigeon peas suppliers to Kenya were Tanzania ($X) and Malawi ($X).

Malawi, with a CAGR of -19.6%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, among the main suppliers over the period under review.

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the average pigeon peas import price amounted to $X per ton, with an increase of 19% against the previous year. In general, the import price, however, recorded a deep contraction. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 an increase of 61%. The import price peaked at $X per ton in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, import prices failed to regain momentum.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2021, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Malawi ($X per ton), while the price for Tanzania amounted to $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Malawi (-3.3%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced a decline.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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