Cowpeas (Dry) Production by Country 2025
Cowpeas represent a vital pulse crop in Africa, with Nigeria dominating production at 4,292,074 tonnes in 2023, projected to reach 4,249,355 tonnes by 2025. Global production reached 9,784,129 tonnes in 2023, down 1.4% from the previous year. Niger follows with 2,692,373 tonnes, while Burkina Faso produces 731,698 tonnes. These drought-tolerant legumes (Vigna unguiculata) serve as dietary staples across sub-Saharan Africa, providing essential protein, fiber, and micronutrients. Production spans 41 countries, primarily in Africa, supporting food security in semi-arid regions where other crops struggle.
Nigeria leads with 4,292,074 tonnes, showing steady growth from 4,007,830 in 2018, representing approximately 60% of global production. Production concentrates in northern states where cowpeas (black-eyed peas) form dietary foundation. The crop serves domestic consumption in traditional dishes, providing affordable protein for millions. Nigeria's production benefits from suitable Sahel climate and established cultivation practices. However, pest pressures (pod borers, aphids) and limited improved varieties constrain yields. Government programs support improved seeds and integrated pest management. Niger produces 2,692,373 tonnes with high volatility from 1,656,054 to 2,865,884, reflecting rainfall variability. Burkina Faso contributes 731,698 tonnes, Ghana 304,702 tonnes, Mali 234,834 tonnes, Cameroon 182,040 tonnes, and Senegal 148,082 tonnes. West Africa accounts for 85%+ of global production, making cowpeas critical for food security. Smallholder farmers dominate production on 0.5-2 hectare plots. The crop provides affordable protein in regions with limited meat access. However, climate variability and pest pressures challenge consistent production. Tanzania produces 210,866 tonnes, Kenya 171,803 tonnes, DR Congo 84,027 tonnes, Mozambique 83,172 tonnes, Malawi 51,776 tonnes, Zimbabwe 38,000 tonnes, and Uganda 12,461 tonnes. East African production serves domestic consumption and regional trade. The crop fits into maize-based farming systems, providing nitrogen fixation benefits. Southern African production supports food security in drought-prone regions. However, limited market development and processing infrastructure constrain value addition. Cowpeas provide exceptional nutrition with 23-25% protein, 60% carbohydrates, and rich iron, folate, and fiber content. Drought tolerance allows cultivation in marginal lands unsuitable for other crops. Nitrogen fixation improves soil fertility, making cowpeas valuable in crop rotations. Used in traditional dishes including akara (fritters), moin-moin (steamed pudding), and stews. Leaves consumed as vegetables. Growing health consciousness drives consumption as plant-based protein source. Processing creates cowpea flour for baking and snacks. Cowpeas thrive in semi-arid climates with temperatures 25-35°C and rainfall 400-700mm. Extreme drought tolerance allows production where other crops fail. Growing season 60-90 days depending on variety. Nitrogen fixation through root nodules improves soil fertility. Major challenges include pod borers causing 20-80% losses, aphids transmitting viruses, parasitic weeds (Striga, Alectra), and climate variability. Limited improved varieties and pest management constrain yields at 300-500 kg/hectare compared to potential 1,500-2000 kg/hectare. Cowpea prices fluctuate $400-1,000/tonne depending on quality and season. Nigeria's production volatility drives regional price swings. Growing urban demand supports consumption. However, post-harvest losses (20-30%) from storage pests reduce marketable output. Limited processing capacity constrains value addition. Climate change brings irregular rainfall affecting production. Investment in improved varieties, pest management, and storage infrastructure supports market development. Growing demand for plant-based proteins creates opportunities. Global cowpea production projected to grow moderately through 2025, with Nigeria and Niger maintaining dominance. Growing population in Africa drives demand for affordable protein. Climate change may favor drought-tolerant cowpeas over less resilient crops. The industry invests in improved varieties with pest resistance, better agronomic practices, and value-added processing. Cowpeas' nutritional profile and climate resilience position them well for future food security in Africa, though production must adapt to climate variability while meeting growing protein demand.🏆 Nigeria's Market Leadership
Cowpeas (Dry) Production by Country 2025
1
4,249,355
2
2,537,162
3
705,578
4
308,619
5
263,974
6
238,646
7
182,014
8
176,295
9
167,543
10
145,672
11
110,315
12
83,232
13
82,575
14
75,508
15
51,967
16
37,190
17
29,849
18
26,728
19
25,327
20
15,708
21
14,451
22
13,229
23
12,449
24
10,609
25
7,943
26
7,782
27
7,640
28
7,262
29
4,605
30
3,231
31
681
32
646
33
534
34
521
35
373
36
347
37
256
38
218
39
217
40
146
41
78
🌍 West African Production Dominance
🌍 East and Southern African Production
💪 Nutritional Value and Uses
🌱 Cultivation and Challenges
📈 Market Dynamics
🔮 Market Outlook
Cowpeas (Dry) Production by Country 2025
#
1
4,007,830
4,064,710
4,132,850
4,213,100
4,202,328
4,292,074
4,249,355
2
2,376,727
2,386,735
2,629,772
1,656,054
2,865,884
2,692,373
2,537,162
3
683,174
708,000
704,539
454,840
829,204
731,698
705,578
4
237,000
254,000
257,000
300,000
320,893
304,702
308,619
5
121,772
127,884
225,943
485,210
204,995
210,866
263,974
6
257,939
215,436
297,834
230,668
250,317
234,834
238,646
7
185,911
180,083
181,929
182,641
181,551
182,040
182,014
8
174,900
161,000
148,205
164,790
183,469
176,593
176,295
9
117,784
152,753
253,897
239,194
152,211
148,082
167,543
10
193,892
222,394
264,160
125,442
115,608
171,803
145,672
11
109,745
108,021
108,593
106,659
107,983
113,176
110,315
12
78,817
85,646
83,178
82,547
83,790
83,172
83,232
13
74,094
75,975
77,915
79,901
81,938
84,027
82,575
14
38,541
66,190
71,929
80,078
81,227
70,248
75,508
15
42,456
49,525
58,412
52,344
52,035
51,776
51,967
16
0
14,655
18,430
38,452
35,000
38,000
37,190
17
29,911
29,689
29,803
29,911
29,863
29,815
29,849
18
14,159
21,539
16,510
25,749
18,461
32,080
26,728
19
25,400
25,586
24,700
23,100
22,148
28,125
25,327
20
15,641
15,523
15,601
15,785
15,725
15,666
15,708
21
15,652
13,795
14,466
14,638
14,300
14,468
14,451
22
11,180
8,067
13,216
11,878
14,844
12,801
13,229
23
12,441
12,367
12,507
12,438
12,438
12,461
12,449
24
23,950
12,156
16,284
10,387
6,895
12,927
10,609
25
7,912
7,922
7,925
7,928
7,939
7,950
7,943
26
6,824
8,139
10,342
12,452
8,138
5,701
7,782
27
7,607
7,624
7,635
7,622
7,636
7,650
7,640
28
7,225
7,236
7,262
7,239
7,257
7,274
7,262
29
4,636
4,578
4,611
4,629
4,610
4,592
4,605
30
3,814
2,273
3,328
3,226
3,243
3,227
3,231
31
695
684
686
686
682
678
681
32
659
643
643
648
645
645
646
33
517
521
528
530
533
537
534
34
0
545
719
819
434
454
521
35
502
479
466
426
418
324
373
36
343
322
313
372
366
326
347
37
396
222
229
282
244
252
256
38
0
0
0
143
212
251
218
39
215
220
215
217
217
216
217
40
151
145
145
148
146
145
146
41
128
112
99
19
79
100
78
Frequently Asked Questions
Which country produces the most cowpeas in the world?
Nigeria is the world's largest cowpeas producer with 4,292,074 tonnes in 2023, projected to reach 4,249,355 tonnes by 2025, accounting for approximately 60% of global production. Niger ranks second with 2,692,373 tonnes, followed by Burkina Faso at 731,698 tonnes. Nigeria's production concentrates in northern states where cowpeas (black-eyed peas) form dietary foundation, providing affordable protein for millions. The country's production benefits from suitable Sahel climate and established cultivation practices, though pest pressures and limited improved varieties constrain yields.
Why are cowpeas important for African food security?
Cowpeas provide crucial food security benefits in Africa: extreme drought tolerance allows production in semi-arid regions where other crops fail; high protein content (23-25%) provides affordable protein alternative to meat; nitrogen fixation improves soil fertility for subsequent crops; short growing season (60-90 days) enables multiple crops per year; leaves consumed as vegetables providing additional nutrition. West Africa accounts for 85%+ of global production, making cowpeas critical for food security in regions with limited agricultural options. The crop supports millions of smallholder farmers and provides essential nutrition to vulnerable populations.
Data Disclaimer: Projected data (future years) are estimates based on mathematical models. Actual values may differ. Learn about our methodology →
Sources
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Updated: 12.11.2025https://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data/QCL
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