Afrika
Potatoes are grown under a wide range of conditions - from irrigated commercial farms in Egypt and South Africa to intensively cultivated tropical highland zones of Eastern and Central Africa, where it is mainly a small farmer's crop.
In some African countries the production of potatoes is growing very rapidly. Algeria more than doubled its potato production in 5 years, and seems to have overtaken Egypt as the #1 producer in Africa in 2013 - at least based on the preliminary FAO estimate for Egypt. Rwanda also almost doubled its potato production in the last 5 years and now ranks in the top 5 potato producing countries of Africa
Frequently Asked Questions
Egypt, Algeria, Ethiopia, South Africa, Morocco and Kenya are among Africa’s leading potato-producing countries. Based on 2024 FAOSTAT production data, Egypt ranked first, followed by Algeria and Ethiopia. Production levels vary by country according to climate, irrigation, seed availability and farming practices.
Potato production supports food security, household nutrition and farm income across Africa. The crop has a relatively short growing cycle and can provide substantial yields under suitable conditions. It also supplies fresh markets and food-processing industries, creating opportunities for farmers, traders and processors.
Potatoes are grown across North, East, Central and Southern Africa. Egypt, Algeria and Morocco have important irrigated production systems, while Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda and other East African countries grow potatoes extensively in cooler highland areas. South Africa has a well-established commercial potato sector.
Major challenges include limited access to quality seed potatoes, pests and diseases, inadequate irrigation, soil-fertility constraints, high input costs, poor storage and market infrastructure, and climate variability. Improved varieties, better crop management, stronger seed systems and investment in irrigation and post-harvest handling can help increase productivity.
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This content was last updated on augustus 17, 2026
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