Kenya and Egypt led African cabbage production in 2008
Kenya, Egypt, Ethiopia, Niger and South Africa have been top cabbage producers in the continent since 1998
Kenya and Egypt are the undisputed leaders of cabbage production in Africa. Kenya harvested a volume of more than 609,292 tonnes in 2008, while Egypt produced 575,000 tonnes. Each of these countries accounted for around 30% of total production in the African market, according to data from the Statistics Division of the Food and Agricultural Organization of the UN (FAOSTAT).
Overall, cabbage production in Africa totalled 2 million tonnes in 2008, showing an increase of 20% over the 10-year period between 1998 and 2008.
The top 5 African cabbage producers, namely Kenya, Egypt, Ethiopia, Niger and South Africa, have maintained their dominance of the sector throughout this period.
These 5 producers accounted for 85% of total cabbage production in Africa. Kenya’s share was 30%, while Egypt produced 28%. The remaining 3 countries accounted for 27%.
On the other hand, cabbage production in the countries outside the top 5, which represented 16% of total production in 2008, rose by 50% over the 10-year period studied. This indicates that the market is opening up and becoming more evenly distributed.
Africa: Cabbage production 1998-2008
Own elaboration, with data as at 31 May 2010 from: http://faostat.fao.org/site/567/default.aspx#ancor, Statistics Division, Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAOSTAT)
Ups and downs
Kenya and Egypt have shown modest growth as cabbage producers since 1998, increasing their harvest by 11% and 9% respectively, and retaining their position as leaders among the top 5 cabbage-producing countries.
Ethiopia increased its production volume by 150% over the 10-year period (1998-2008), harvesting more than 250,000 tonnes in 2008. This country accounted for 12% of the total production in Africa.
Niger, with a harvest of 171,387 tonnes in 2008, showed a production gain of 30% over the ten years. It accounted for 8% of the African market.
On the other hand, South Africa was the only country in the top 5 that lost ground between 1998 and 2008, with production down 30% to approximately 137,000 tonnes in 2008. In this same year, South Africa lost its fourth position to Niger.
Other countries
A number of African countries showed a considerable increase in their cabbage production between 1998 and 2008, as the graph below shows. Senegal and Ethiopia recorded the highest increases in production: 200% and 150% respectively. They were followed by Tunisia, Malawi and Algeria.
At the other end of the scale, Réunion, Mauritius, South Africa, Congo and Madagascar registered significant decreases over the 10-year period, to the point that some of them are barely represented in the African cabbage market.
Production winners and losers: 1998-2008
Own elaboration, with data as at 31 May 2010 from: http://faostat.fao.org/site/567/default.aspx#ancor, Statistics Division, Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAOSTAT)
S&G Brassicas Today - June 2010
