Market Overview
| Study Period | 2017 - 2030 |
|---|---|
| Base Year For Estimation | 2024 |
| Forecast Data Period | 2025 - 2030 |
| Market Size (2025) | USD 3.94 Billion |
| Market Size (2030) | USD 4.66 Billion |
| Growth Rate (2025 - 2030) | 3.43% CAGR |
| Market Concentration | Low |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order Image © Mordor Intelligence. Reuse requires attribution under CC BY 4.0. |
|
Africa Crop Protection Chemicals Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence
The Africa Crop Protection Chemicals Market size is estimated at 3.94 billion USD in 2025, and is expected to reach 4.66 billion USD by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 3.43% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
Agriculture remains a cornerstone of Africa's economic development and food security, with the sector facing unprecedented challenges in crop protection chemicals. The region's diverse climate conditions support the cultivation of various crops, including wheat, maize, rice, soybeans, sunflowers, beans, tobacco, coffee, cocoa, and tea. However, pest infestations have emerged as a critical concern, with African countries experiencing estimated crop losses of 49% of the expected total yield annually due to insect damage, according to the Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences International. The situation is further complicated by changing climate patterns, which are creating more favorable conditions for pest proliferation and increasing the severity of crop damage.
The intensification of agricultural practices across Africa has led to significant challenges in pest and disease management. Root and tuber crops, cultivated across 23 million hectares of land, face particular vulnerability to pests and diseases. This is especially critical considering that between 500 million to 1 billion Africans rely on cassava as a staple food source. The economic impact is substantial, with annual losses in eastern and central Africa estimated between USD 1.90-2.70 billion due to diseases such as cassava mosaic virus and cassava brown streak disease. The use of pesticides and agricultural chemicals is becoming increasingly vital in managing these threats.
The emergence of invasive pests has become a major concern for African agriculture, with devastating economic implications. The fall armyworm infestation alone threatens to create a shortage of 16 million metric tons of maize, valued at approximately USD 5 billion. The impact is particularly severe in major maize-producing nations, where uncontrolled infestations could lead to losses ranging from 8.3 to 20.6 million tons annually. These challenges are compelling farmers to adopt more sophisticated integrated pest management strategies and agricultural pest control approaches.
Weed management has emerged as another critical challenge facing African agriculture, with farmers experiencing crop losses ranging from 25% to 100% due to weed infestations. The situation is particularly concerning in regions practicing intensive agriculture, where monoculture farming practices create favorable conditions for weed proliferation. This has led to increased adoption of pesticides and chemical weed control methods, though concerns about resistance development and environmental impact are driving interest in integrated pest management approaches. The challenge is further complicated by the need to balance effective weed control with sustainable agricultural practices and food security requirements.
Africa Crop Protection Chemicals Market Trends and Insights
Adoption of IPM strategies and other alternative methods like crop rotations significantly reduces pesticide consumption per hectare
- During the historical period, there has been a remarkable decline in pesticide consumption per hectare within Africa. In 2017, the pesticide consumption rate stood at 1,175 g per ha. However, subsequent efforts have successfully reduced it by 96 g per ha, resulting in a current rate of 1,079 g per ha. This significant reduction in pesticide usage was due to a combination of various factors, which include the implementation of improved agricultural practices that prioritize sustainable and eco-friendly methods. Farmers have increasingly adopted innovative techniques such as integrated pest management, crop rotation, and biological pest control, which have minimized the need for chemical pesticide usage per hectare.
- Herbicides are majorly utilized pesticide products in the region, but in recent years, the herbicide consumption per hectare is significantly reduced by 34 g in 2022, as compared to 2017. This substantial decrease in herbicide consumption was due to the successful implementation of integrated weed management (IWM) practices. Under this approach, farmers have adopted a range of innovative strategies such as diversified cropping systems, mechanical weed control, crop rotation, and the use of cover crops. These environment-friendly techniques have contributed to reducing herbicide reliance and also promoted sustainable agriculture, enhancing soil health and conserving biodiversity.
- Farmers adopt IPM strategies, disease-resistant crops, and alternatives to control pests and diseases, raising awareness of pesticide's negative effects, thus reducing fungicide and insecticide use per hectare by 38 and 23 g per ha in 2022, compared to 2017.
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Increasing demand and limited availability majorly fluctuate the active ingredient prices
- Cypermethrin is the predominant insecticide utilized in the region to control pests affecting crops such as rice, cotton, soybeans, and vegetables. Due to its high demand, the price of Cypermethrin rose by USD 3,186.2 per metric ton in 2022 compared to 2017. This increase was due to its limited production within the region, leading to a significant dependence on imports to meet the demand.
- Atrazine stands as the primary herbicide utilized in maize-producing countries like South Africa and Nigeria, with 88% of the maize area employed for weed control. Its usage extends to various terrestrial food crops, non-food crops, forests, residential turf, golf courses, recreational areas, and rangelands, making it a widely adopted weed control measure on farms. Due to its expanding application across various crops, the price of Atrazine has been steadily increasing Y-o-Y, with a growth recorded at USD 3,292.7 per metric ton in 2022 compared to 2017.
- Glyphosate is widely embraced as the second most used herbicide in the region, primarily due to its affordability. Many farmers opt for glyphosate as their primary weed control solution. In 2022, glyphosate's active ingredient was priced at USD 1,143.2 per metric ton.
- During the historical period, prices of pesticide-active ingredients in the region experienced a substantial increase, amounting to an increase of USD 1,580.9 per metric ton. This surge may be mainly attributed to the region's limited production capacity. Over the past five years, there has been a notable rise in pesticide imports into Africa, leading to heightened dependence on imported products and consequent price escalation in the region.
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Segment Analysis: Function
Insecticide Segment in Africa Crop Protection Chemicals Market
The insecticide segment dominates the Africa crop protection chemicals market, accounting for approximately 42% of the total market value in 2024. This significant market share is primarily driven by the severe crop losses caused by insect pests in African countries, which amount to nearly 49% of the expected total crop yield each year. The segment's dominance is particularly evident in grain and cereal crops, where stem borers constitute the most widely distributed and injurious group of insect pests. Carbofuran, disulfoton, diazinon, fenthion, ripcord, and tamaron are the most commonly used insecticides to control stem borers in Africa. The foliar spray application of insecticides has emerged as the preferred method, capturing about 58% of the insecticide market, as it effectively protects crops from leafhoppers, armyworms, stem borers, and various sucking pests that can cause significant yield losses if not managed properly.
Herbicide Segment in Africa Crop Protection Chemicals Market
The herbicide segment is projected to experience the fastest growth in the Africa crop protection chemicals market during 2024-2029, with an estimated CAGR of approximately 4%. This growth is primarily driven by the increasing challenges farmers face in controlling weeds on time, coupled with factors like labor shortages and increased wages raising production costs. The adoption of intensive agriculture practices to meet the food requirements of an increasing population is contributing to the emergence of various weed species. Major weed species in the region include Cyperus rotundus, Imperata cylindrica, Chromolaena odorata, annual species Euphorbia heterophylla, and Digitaria horizontalis, which pose significant threats to crop yields and require effective chemical control measures. The use of herbicides is crucial in managing these challenges effectively.
Remaining Segments in Function
The other significant segments in the Africa crop protection chemicals market include fungicides, molluscicides, and nematicides. Fungicides play a crucial role in protecting crops against various diseases, particularly in commercial and horticultural crops where disease infestations pose significant challenges to agricultural productivity. Mancozeb, azoxystrobin, chlorothalonil, and thiabendazole are commonly used fungicides in the region. Molluscicides and nematicides, while representing smaller market shares, are essential for controlling specific pest problems such as slugs, snails, and soil-borne nematodes that can cause substantial damage to crops through reducing leaf area, eating stems and leaves, and contaminating crops with their slime, bodies, and feces.
Segment Analysis: Application Mode
Foliar Application Segment in Africa Crop Protection Chemicals Market
The foliar spray application segment maintains its dominant position in the African crop protection chemicals market, accounting for approximately 51% of the total market value in 2024. This substantial market share can be attributed to the method's cost-effectiveness compared to other approaches and its precise targeting capabilities. Foliar application proves particularly effective in controlling various pests and diseases due to its rapid absorption by leaves, resulting in quick response times for pest control. The method's popularity is further enhanced by its efficient absorption mechanisms and proven effectiveness in managing fast-spreading infestations. Farmers across Africa prefer foliar spray due to its practical benefits in protecting crops from leafhoppers, armyworms, stem borers, and various sucking pests, which can cause significant yield losses if not managed properly.
Soil Treatment Segment in Africa Crop Protection Chemicals Market
The soil treatment chemicals segment is emerging as the fastest-growing application method in the African crop protection chemicals market, projected to grow at approximately 4% during 2024-2029. This growth trajectory is primarily driven by the increasing adoption of soil treatment methods to control soil-borne fungi and insects that adversely impact crop health and productivity. The segment's expansion is further supported by its effectiveness in managing soil-borne diseases and pests, as well as its ability to eliminate fungal spores and insects that are deeply rooted in the soil. Farmers are increasingly recognizing the long-term benefits of soil treatment applications, as these chemicals can remain effective for extended periods compared to other application methods, providing lasting protection against pests and minimizing the need for frequent reapplication.
Remaining Segments in Application Mode
The other application modes in the African crop protection chemicals market include chemigation, fumigation, and seed treatment chemicals, each serving specific purposes in crop protection. Chemigation has gained traction due to its integration with irrigation systems, offering efficient pest control while conserving water resources. Fumigation plays a vital role in soil sterilization and post-harvest storage protection, while seed treatment provides essential early-stage crop protection. These application methods complement each other, offering farmers a comprehensive approach to pest and disease management across different stages of crop development and various agricultural scenarios.
Segment Analysis: Crop Type
Grains & Cereals Segment in Africa Crop Protection Chemicals Market
The Grains & Cereals segment dominates the Africa Crop Protection Chemicals market, commanding approximately 46% market share in 2024. This significant market position is primarily driven by the segment's crucial role in ensuring food security across the continent, as these crops serve as staple foods for millions of people. Wheat, maize, sorghum, millet, barley, rye, and rice are the major grain and cereal crops in the region requiring extensive crop protection. The segment's dominance is further reinforced by the high prevalence of pest infestations, particularly the fall armyworm in maize crops, which can result in yield losses of 20-50%. Insecticides account for the highest share in this segment at nearly 37%, followed by herbicides at 36%, highlighting the diverse pest management needs of grain and cereal crops. The segment's large market share is also attributed to the extensive cultivation areas and the increasing adoption of intensive farming practices to meet growing food demand.
Pulses & Oilseeds Segment in Africa Crop Protection Chemicals Market
The Pulses & Oilseeds segment is projected to exhibit the strongest growth in the Africa Crop Protection Chemicals market, with an anticipated CAGR of approximately 4% during 2024-2029. This robust growth trajectory is driven by several factors, including the increasing cultivation of crops such as chickpeas, lentils, beans, peas, soybeans, sunflowers, groundnuts, and sesame across the region. The segment's growth is particularly fueled by the rising pest and disease challenges faced by these crops under favorable climatic conditions for pest proliferation. The expansion is further supported by the growing adoption of chemical herbicides to control devastating weeds like Cyperus esculentus, Ipomoea purpurea, and Conyza bonariensis, which compete with crops for mineral sources and significantly impact yields. Additionally, the humid agroecological zones in various African countries create conditions conducive to fungal diseases, necessitating increased use of fungicides for crop protection.
Remaining Segments in Crop Type
The other significant segments in the Africa Crop Protection Chemicals market include Fruits & Vegetables, Commercial Crops, and Turf & Ornamental. The Fruits & Vegetables segment plays a crucial role in the market, driven by the cultivation of crops like bananas, pineapples, citrus fruits, tomatoes, and various vegetables, requiring comprehensive pest and disease management solutions. The Commercial Crops segment, encompassing crops like cocoa, coffee, oil palm, tea, cotton, and tobacco, represents an important market segment due to these crops' economic significance and specific pest management needs. The Turf & Ornamental segment, while smaller, serves specialized applications in golf courses, lawns, landscapes, and ornamental greenhouses, contributing to the market's diversity and comprehensive coverage of agricultural protection needs.
Africa Crop Protection Chemicals Market Geography Segment Analysis
Crop Protection Chemicals Market in Africa
The African crop protection chemicals market demonstrates significant diversity across its agricultural landscape. The region's varied climate conditions and fertile lands support the cultivation of numerous crops, including wheat, maize, sorghum, millet, barley, rye, and rice. The market is driven by increasing pest pressures, particularly the fall armyworm infestation, which poses a severe threat to maize production. Climate change has created optimal conditions for pests and diseases to thrive, leading to increased demand for agrochemicals and crop protection chemicals solutions. The region faces significant challenges from various crop diseases, including cassava mosaic virus, cassava bacterial blight, and cassava brown streak disease, which affect major staple crops.
Crop Protection Chemicals Market in South Africa
South Africa emerges as the dominant market for crop protection chemicals in Africa, holding approximately 30% of the total market value in 2024. The country's agricultural sector faces significant challenges from emerging pests such as banana bunch, citrus huanglongbing, fall armyworm, and maize lethal necrosis. Conservation farming practices have gained popularity in South Africa, leading to increased reliance on pesticides for weed management. The country's agricultural expansion, coupled with large-scale monoculture practices, has facilitated the spread of pests, necessitating increased pesticides usage. The adoption of modern farming techniques and the need to protect high-value crops have further driven the demand for agricultural inputs in the region.
Growth Dynamics in South Africa's Crop Protection Chemicals Market
South Africa's crop protection chemicals market is projected to grow at approximately 5% annually from 2024 to 2029, making it the fastest-growing market in the region. The growth is primarily driven by the increasing adoption of conservation farming practices and the rising need for effective pest management solutions. The country faces challenges from resistant weed species, with fourteen weed species showing resistance to one or more active ingredients in herbicides. This has spurred demand for innovative herbicide solutions with different modes of action. The expansion of agricultural activities to meet growing food demand, coupled with the need to protect crops from emerging pest threats, continues to drive market growth. The country's focus on improving agricultural productivity through better pest management practices further supports this growth trajectory.
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Competitive Landscape
Top Companies in Africa Crop Protection Chemicals Market
The African crop protection chemicals market is characterized by active participation from major global agrochemical companies that are continuously investing in product development and innovation. Companies are focusing heavily on research and development to create novel solutions that address emerging pest resistance issues and changing agricultural needs in the region. Strategic partnerships and collaborations have become increasingly common as companies seek to leverage complementary strengths and expand their market reach. Many players are establishing local manufacturing facilities and distribution networks to enhance their operational efficiency and market penetration. The industry has also witnessed significant investment in developing environmentally sustainable solutions and integrated pest management approaches to align with evolving agricultural practices and regulatory requirements.
Market Dominated by Global Agricultural Conglomerates
The African crop protection chemicals market exhibits a relatively concentrated structure dominated by multinational agricultural science companies with extensive research capabilities and broad product portfolios. These major players leverage their global expertise, established brand reputation, and extensive distribution networks to maintain their market positions. The market is characterized by the presence of both diversified agricultural conglomerates offering comprehensive farming solutions and specialized agricultural chemical companies focusing on specific product segments. Local players, while present, typically operate in niche segments or serve as distribution partners for global manufacturers.
The industry has witnessed significant consolidation through mergers and acquisitions, as companies seek to strengthen their market presence and expand their product offerings. These strategic moves have resulted in the formation of stronger entities with enhanced research capabilities and broader geographic reach. Companies are increasingly establishing regional headquarters and research centers in key African markets to better understand local agricultural challenges and develop targeted solutions. The competitive landscape is further shaped by collaborations between global players and local agricultural institutions to develop region-specific plant protection products.
Innovation and Localization Drive Future Success
Success in the African crop protection chemicals market increasingly depends on companies' ability to develop innovative solutions that address specific regional challenges while maintaining cost-effectiveness. Market leaders are investing in developing products that can combat emerging pest resistance while minimizing environmental impact. Companies are also focusing on building strong relationships with local farming communities through educational initiatives and technical support programs. The ability to navigate complex regulatory environments across different African countries while maintaining compliance with international standards has become a crucial competitive advantage.
For new entrants and smaller players, success lies in identifying and serving underserved market segments and developing specialized solutions for specific crop types or regional challenges. Companies are increasingly recognizing the importance of establishing a strong local presence through partnerships with regional distributors and agricultural cooperatives. The development of integrated pest management solutions and sustainable agricultural practices is becoming increasingly important as environmental concerns and regulatory pressures grow. Future success will also depend on companies' ability to adapt to changing weather patterns and evolving pest pressures while maintaining product effectiveness and safety standards. The integration of biological crop protection methods is also gaining traction as a sustainable approach to pest management.
Africa Crop Protection Chemicals Industry Leaders
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BASF SE
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Bayer AG
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Corteva Agriscience
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FMC Corporation
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Syngenta Group
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
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Recent Industry Developments
- January 2023: Bayer formed a new partnership with Oerth Bio to enhance crop protection technology and create more eco-friendly crop protection solutions.
- November 2022: Corteva Agriscience introduced Zorvec Encantia, a fungicide that targets late blight, a detrimental pathogen inhibiting potato growth. The product is based on Zorvec Active and is the first of a novel family of fungicides that uses a distinct biochemical mode of action and does not cross-resist other fungicides.
- August 2022: BASF and Corteva Agriscience collaborated to provide soybean farmers with the weed control of the future. By working together, BASF and Corteva aim to satisfy farmers' demand for specialized weed control solutions that are distinct from those that are currently available or being developed.
Africa Crop Protection Chemicals Market Report Scope
Fungicide, Herbicide, Insecticide, Molluscicide, Nematicide are covered as segments by Function. Chemigation, Foliar, Fumigation, Seed Treatment, Soil Treatment are covered as segments by Application Mode. Commercial Crops, Fruits & Vegetables, Grains & Cereals, Pulses & Oilseeds, Turf & Ornamental are covered as segments by Crop Type. South Africa are covered as segments by Country.
Function
| Fungicide |
| Herbicide |
| Insecticide |
| Molluscicide |
| Nematicide |
Application Mode
| Chemigation |
| Foliar |
| Fumigation |
| Seed Treatment |
| Soil Treatment |
Crop Type
| Commercial Crops |
| Fruits and Vegetables |
| Grains and Cereals |
| Pulses and Oilseeds |
| Turf and Ornamental |
Country
| South Africa |
| Rest of Africa |
| Function | Fungicide |
| Herbicide | |
| Insecticide | |
| Molluscicide | |
| Nematicide | |
| Application Mode | Chemigation |
| Foliar | |
| Fumigation | |
| Seed Treatment | |
| Soil Treatment | |
| Crop Type | Commercial Crops |
| Fruits and Vegetables | |
| Grains and Cereals | |
| Pulses and Oilseeds | |
| Turf and Ornamental | |
| Country | South Africa |
| Rest of Africa |
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Market Definition
- Function - Crop Protection Chemicals are apllied to control or prevent pests, including insects, fungi, weeds, nematodes, and mollusks, from damaging the crop and to protect the crop yield.
- Application Mode - Foliar, Seed Treatment, Soil Treatment, Chemigation, and Fumigation are the different type of application modes through which crop protection chemicals are applied to the crops.
- Crop Type - This represents the consumption of crop protection chemicals by Cereals, Pulses, Oilseeds, Fruits, Vegetables, Turf, and Ornamental crops.
| Keyword | Definition |
|---|---|
| IWM | Integrated weed management (IWM) is an approach to incorporate multiple weed control techniques throughout the growing season to give producers the best opportunity to control problematic weeds. |
| Host | Hosts are the plants that form relationships with beneficial microorganisms and help them colonize. |
| Pathogen | A disease-causing organism. |
| Herbigation | Herbigation is an effective method of applying herbicides through irrigation systems. |
| Maximum residue levels (MRL) | Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) is the maximum allowed limit of pesticide residue in food or feed obtained from plants and animals. |
| IoT | The Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of interconnected devices that connect and exchange data with other IoT devices and the cloud. |
| Herbicide-tolerant varieties (HTVs) | Herbicide-tolerant varieties are plant species that have been genetically engineered to be resistant to herbicides used on crops. |
| Chemigation | Chemigation is a method of applying pesticides to crops through an irrigation system. |
| Crop Protection | Crop protection is a method of protecting crop yields from different pests, including insects, weeds, plant diseases, and others that cause damage to agricultural crops. |
| Seed Treatment | Seed treatment helps to disinfect seeds or seedlings from seed-borne or soil-borne pests. Crop protection chemicals, such as fungicides, insecticides, or nematicides, are commonly used for seed treatment. |
| Fumigation | Fumigation is the application of crop protection chemicals in gaseous form to control pests. |
| Bait | A bait is a food or other material used to lure a pest and kill it through various methods, including poisoning. |
| Contact Fungicide | Contact pesticides prevent crop contamination and combat fungal pathogens. They act on pests (fungi) only when they come in contact with the pests. |
| Systemic Fungicide | A systemic fungicide is a compound taken up by a plant and then translocated within the plant, thus protecting the plant from attack by pathogens. |
| Mass Drug Administration (MDA) | Mass drug administration is the strategy to control or eliminate many neglected tropical diseases. |
| Mollusks | Mollusks are pests that feed on crops, causing crop damage and yield loss. Mollusks include octopi, squid, snails, and slugs. |
| Pre-emergence Herbicide | Preemergence herbicides are a form of chemical weed control that prevents germinated weed seedlings from becoming established. |
| Post-emergence Herbicide | Postemergence herbicides are applied to the agricultural field to control weeds after emergence (germination) of seeds or seedlings. |
| Active Ingredients | Active ingredients are the chemicals in pesticide products that kill, control, or repel pests. |
| United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) | The Department of Agriculture provides leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources, and related issues. |
| Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) | The WSSA, a non-profit professional society, promotes research, education, and extension outreach activities related to weeds. |
| Suspension concentrate | Suspension concentrate (SC) is one of the formulations of crop protection chemicals with solid active ingredients dispersed in water. |
| Wettable powder | A wettable powder (WP) is a powder formulation that forms a suspension when mixed with water prior to spraying. |
| Emulsifiable concentrate | Emulsifiable concentrate (EC) is a concentrated liquid formulation of pesticide that needs to be diluted with water to create a spray solution. |
| Plant-parasitic nematodes | Parasitic Nematodes feed on the roots of crops, causing damage to the roots. These damages allow for easy plant infestation by soil-borne pathogens, which results in crop or yield loss. |
| Australian Weeds Strategy (AWS) | The Australian Weeds Strategy, owned by the Environment and Invasives Committee, provides national guidance on weed management. |
| Weed Science Society of Japan (WSSJ) | WSSJ aims to contribute to the prevention of weed damage and the utilization of weed value by providing the chance for research presentation and information exchange. |
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Research Methodology
Mordor Intelligence follows a four-step methodology in all our reports.
- Step-1: Identify Key Variables: In order to build a robust forecasting methodology, the variables and factors identified in Step-1 are tested against available historical market numbers. Through an iterative process, the variables required for market forecast are set and the model is built on the basis of these variables.
- Step-2: Build a Market Model: Market-size estimations for the forecast years are in nominal terms. Inflation is not a part of the pricing, and the average selling price (ASP) is kept constant throughout the forecast period.
- Step-3: Validate and Finalize: In this important step, all market numbers, variables and analyst calls are validated through an extensive network of primary research experts from the market studied. The respondents are selected across levels and functions to generate a holistic picture of the market studied.
- Step-4: Research Outputs: Syndicated Reports, Custom Consulting Assignments, Databases & Subscription Platforms
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