Overall market risk: At the start of 2025, fertilizer demand across West Africa remained low due to the conclusion of the main agricultural season in the previous year. As a result, market activity slowed significantly, reflecting reduced input requirements from farmers. Off-season cultivation, especially vegetables and irrigated crops, continued in some selected areas, sustaining minimal fertilizer use. These off-season activities provided some support to fertilizer sales but had limited impact on overall regional demand. In general, demand was below peak-season levels.
Côte d’Ivoire: Fertilizer demand remained low due to the end of the main farming season, with activity mainly driven by off-season vegetable and irrigated crops. However, 2024 imports of 600,000 tons, well above the 350,000-ton annual need, ensured strong supply and reduced shortage risks. This surplus allows better stock planning, especially for cotton and cocoa, with cocoa fertilizer use surpassing 100,000 tons for a second year. Increased cocoa revenues are expected to boost farmers’ ability to purchase fertilizers for the next season.
Ghana: Fertilizer prices for key products like Urea, Ammonium Sulphate, and NPK 23-10-5 remained stable, supported by low off-season demand. Fertilizer availability was not a concern, but stakeholder activity remained minimal as the new year began. The incoming agricultural leadership announced plans to promote household gardening, while farmer associations urged the government to reinstate fertilizer subsidies to ease production costs.
Nigeria: Nigeria’s fertilizer market also experienced reduced demand due to the ongoing dry season, with only a gradual pickup in the north where dry-season farming is more common. Although the expected surge in demand hasn’t materialized, agrodealers remain hopeful. NPK prices stayed largely stable, with minor decreases, while Urea prices showed some instability due to shifting ex-factory rates. Overall, fertilizer availability remains sufficient, and there is no current pressure on supply.
Senegal: At the start of 2025, agricultural activity in Senegal is centered on the off-season, especially irrigated rice cultivation, which is vital for food security and reducing import reliance. However, access to agricultural inputs remains limited, with DAP and urea in particularly high demand due to their critical role in rice production.
Availability and Affordability: Fertilizer availability remained strong across West Africa in January 2025, with countries like Ghana, Nigeria, and Côte d’Ivoire reporting adequate stocks and no major shortages. Senegal also received limited volumes, ensuring some availability to support off-season activities, particularly irrigated rice production. This regional supply stability was supported by high import volumes, efficient port operations, and carryover stocks from the previous year. However, affordability remains a key concern, driven by currency fluctuations, inflation, and high transportation costs. While stable or reduced prices provided some relief for off-season farmers, particularly in accessible areas, rural and remote communities continue to face access challenges.
Distribution: In January 2025, fertilizer imports and distribution across West Africa continued smoothly, with minimal logistical disruptions reported. Port operations remained efficient in key entry points such as Tema and Takoradi in Ghana, Abidjan and San Pedro in Côte d’Ivoire, Apapa and Onne in Nigeria and Dakar Port in Senegal. These ports facilitated steady inflows of fertilizers, supporting adequate supply across regional markets. However, northern Nigeria continued to face access challenges due to persistent insecurity, which disrupted transportation and distribution networks. As a result, farmers in affected areas had trouble obtaining fertilizers compared to other regions with more stable conditions.