In Africa, ginger is increasingly in demand due to its health benefits, culinary uses, and applications in natural medicine, making it a high-value crop for both domestic and export markets.
In this episode, Nozipho Puwana, the founder of the Agricultural Market Research Insights and Analyst (AMRIA), unpacks the drivers behind ginger’s growing demand, the challenges faced by African producers, and how Africa can leverage this lucrative opportunity.
“The global demand for ginger is continuing to increase due to its recognition as a healthier product or for healthier foods,” Puwana shares.
According to Puwana, this trend is driving a projected growth in the ginger market from R84.83 billion in 2023 to an impressive R164.5 billion by 2033.
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Scaling production crucial for growth
Africa’s tropical regions provide a suitable climate for ginger production. While Nigeria stands out as a dominant producer, opportunities abound for other African countries to expand their market share. To meet this demand, African producers must scale up, address climate challenges, and focus on quality control.
Investing in technology and infrastructure is critical for scaling ginger production sustainably. In addition, efficient water management is essential given ginger’s high water requirements.
“Threatening policies can play a very important role in terms of increasing the competitiveness of ginger in Africa. Invest in the research,” Puwana says.
Enhanced market research and continental free trade agreements, she explains, could boost African ginger’s competitiveness internationally.
In this episode, Puwana also discusses:
- Why Africa is well-positioned to supply the global demand for ginger;
- Opportunities for South African farmers to intercrop ginger with other high-value crops and more.
Want to know more? Dive deeper into the episode and gain insights from the award-winning Farmer’s Inside Track, officially recognised as Africa and the world’s best podcast at the 2024 Digital Media Awards presented by WAN-IFRA, the global press organisation.
Option 1: Click here to listen on Spotify (all mobile and other devices).
Option 2: Click here to listen on any Apple device.
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