Currently, Asia accounts for more than 80% of worldwide watermelon production. China is the number one producer accounting for 67.6% worldwide. Africa, Europe, and North America have similar production output, around 3–4 million tonnes annually.
In Africa, in 2017, watermelon accounted for 5.4% of the harvested area devoted to vegetable production, contributing 5% to world watermelon production. Algeria is the leading watermelon producer in the continent (1.87 million units per year), sixth in the world, contributing 1.6% to worldwide production, followed by Egypt (1.7 million units yearly), eighth in the world. Now, Africa, as a whole, is the third producer of watermelon in the world (Anonymous, 2019). In Africa, watermelon production systems differ depending on agro-climate, from greenhouses to open field with varying levels of technological application. In most rural communities, watermelon is grown as an intercrop with minimal inputs.
Considering these data, there is a growing interest in African countries for the need to enhance the production of xerophytic crops, including watermelon (Citrullus lanatus), in the face of climate change.
Scientists at Lupane State University (Zimbabwe) have explored challenges and opportunities in watermelon production in Africa. Watermelon is adaptable to most of tropical and subtropical Africa regions, due to its low water requirement and has the potential to be a commercial crop. However, minimal research has been applied to its breeding and production in the continent. A lack of improved varieties, poor production systems, the perishable nature of the fruit, and a lack of harvest and post-harvest preservation technology hamper large-scale production.
Research, particularly in watermelon production practices and breeding, is needed if its true potential in Africa is to be realized. Summarizing their study, the scientists underline "There is a need for more watermelon-related research in Africa to present it as a viable cash crop. Considering watermelon originated in Africa, there exists a wide range of germplasm in the wild that can be used to support various continent specific breeding objectives. Most watermelon landraces provide important traits for drought and heat tolerance, such as higher biomass, which would greatly improve crop adaptation to climate change worldwide. Deliberate efforts on germplasm prospecting need to be enhanced for sustainability of breeding. There is a need to diversify watermelon genotypes for wider production and post-harvest management. More awareness is needed to market fruit for its rich health and nutrition benefits. Suitable agronomic practices for the crop need to be investigated to provide the most ideal environment for crop growth. Precision farming, rational use of fertilization, weed and disease control, and proper training of farmers will allow a change in watermelon production."
Source: Dube J., Ddamulira G., Maphosa M., 'Watermelon production in Africa: challenges and opportunities', 2020, International Journal of Vegetable Science.