Between 2004 and 2014 production totaled 43 million tonnes in West Africa and 18 million tonnes in Central Africa. This increase resulted from an increase in cultivated areas, with an additional 4 million hectares over the period.
This growing production responds mainly to local needs, the share destined for exports would reach less than 10% of the volumes in each country.
These countries are attempting to achieve self-sufficiency in certain crops (onions and potatoes in Senegal) which allows them to limit more expensive imports. While export volumes remain low, they are also growing rapidly and are expected to continue to increase.
source: fructidor.com
