Cotton Production in Africa

Africa contributes about 8% of the global cotton production. In African continent, there are total six cotton basins among which West African basin is the most important. Sub-Saharan Africa has a climate favorable for pest growth and this results in severe attack of pests on cotton and subsequent yield losses. In West Africa, approximately 25–35% of cotton yield is lost because of pests. In addition to pest damage, many other challenges are faced by the farmers like low seed germination, insufficient seed storage facilities, low soil fertility, low literacy and lack of trainings. Cotton production in Africa could be increased by increasing the seed availability, support to agricultural research, and a capacity-building strategy, so that the farmers could get maximum profits from cotton.