Policy Brief on Onion Production, Consumption and Trade in Africa: Trends, Challenges and Policy Priorities

Onions are a vital agricultural commodity across Africa, contributing significantly to domestic consumption, farmer livelihoods, and international trade. This policy brief synthesizes findings from a comprehensive 62-year study (1961–2022) on onion production, consumption, and trade across Africa's five regions: North, West, East, Central, and Southern Africa. The analysis reveals a continent-wide expansion in onion cultivated area and production, yet yields have stagnated or declined in most regions. Consumption and trade have grown robustly, but productivity gains have not kept pace with area expansion. These trends have profound implications for food security, regional trade integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and the livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers. Urgent investment in yield-enhancing technologies, training, and infrastructure is required to unlock the full potential of Africa's onion sector.