Western Africa: Fonio Market 2024

Fonio Market Size in Western Africa

The West African fonio market expanded sharply to $X in 2022, rising by 5.2% against the previous year. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +4.2% over the period from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. As a result, consumption attained the peak level of $X. From 2021 to 2022, the growth of the market remained at a lower figure.

Fonio Production in Western Africa

In value terms, fonio production expanded notably to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. The total production indicated a buoyant expansion from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +5.3% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, production decreased by -6.0% against 2020 indices. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2020 with an increase of 32%. As a result, production reached the peak level of $X; afterwards, it flattened through to 2022.

Guinea (X tons) remains the largest fonio producing country in Western Africa, comprising approx. 73% of total volume. Moreover, fonio production in Guinea exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest producer, Nigeria (X tons), sixfold. The third position in this ranking was held by Mali (X tons), with a 6.9% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume in Guinea stood at +1.2%. The remaining producing countries recorded the following average annual rates of production growth: Nigeria (+0.6% per year) and Mali (+10.2% per year).

The average fonio yield reached X kg per ha in 2022, leveling off at 2021. In general, the yield, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 when the yield increased by 5.2% against the previous year. As a result, the yield reached the peak level of X kg per ha. From 2014 to 2022, the growth of the fonio yield remained at a somewhat lower figure. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

In 2022, the fonio harvested area in Western Africa reduced slightly to X ha, leveling off at the year before. The harvested area increased at an average annual rate of +2.2% from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2015 with an increase of 11%. The level of harvested area peaked at X ha in 2021, and then reduced slightly in the following year.

Fonio Exports

Exports in Western Africa

In 2022, shipments abroad of fonio decreased by -5.3% to X tons, falling for the second consecutive year after two years of growth. Overall, exports, however, recorded a significant expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 with an increase of 265% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at X tons in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, fonio exports contracted to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, exports, however, enjoyed significant growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 with an increase of 260%. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at $X in 2021, and then dropped modestly in the following year.

Exports by Country

The biggest shipments were from Mali (X tons), Senegal (X tons) and Guinea (X tons), together resulting at 91% of total export. It was distantly followed by Burkina Faso (X tons), generating a 7.5% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main exporting countries, was attained by Senegal (with a CAGR of +42.2%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Guinea ($X), Mali ($X) and Senegal ($X) were the countries with the highest levels of exports in 2022, together comprising 78% of total exports.

Senegal, with a CAGR of +37.6%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of exports, among the main exporting countries over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the export price in Western Africa amounted to $X per ton, growing by 2.7% against the previous year. Overall, the export price, however, continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2016 an increase of 24% against the previous year. As a result, the export price reached the peak level of $X per ton. From 2017 to 2022, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major exporting countries. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Burkina Faso ($X per ton), while Mali ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Guinea (+3.7%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the export price figures.

Fonio Imports

Imports by Country

In 2021, Togo (X tons) was the largest importer of fonio in Western Africa, mixing up 100% of total import.

Togo experienced a relatively flat trend pattern with regard to volume of imports of fonio. While the share of Togo (+99 p.p.) increased significantly, the shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Togo ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported fonio in Western Africa.

In Togo, fonio imports remained relatively stable over the period from 2014-2021.

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the import price in Western Africa amounted to $X per ton, declining by -78% against the previous year. In general, the import price recorded a deep slump. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 when the import price increased by 207%. As a result, import price attained the peak level of $X per ton. From 2020 to 2021, the import prices failed to regain momentum.

As there is only one major supplying country, the average price level is determined by prices for Togo.

From 2014 to 2021, the rate of growth in terms of prices for Togo amounted to 0.0% per year.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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