Africa is currently a growing and exporting cotton producer, accounting for 10% of the world’s cotton. It is also an important commodity in the African economy. Let’s learn about cotton in Africa and cotton processing in Africa.
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1. The development of cotton made in Africa
- Cotton in Africa is grown almost entirely by smallholder farmers, with very few large plantations. Cotton is a warm-weather plant that needs about 200 days of sunshine per season to thrive and bear fruit. It thrives in the dry or wet savannas of Africa just for this reason. The climate, with average high temperatures and alternating dry and wet seasons, is ideal for growing this natural fiber crop and cotton processing in Africa for export.
- The process of processing cotton in Africa for export: The raw cotton is eventually pressed into large bales and sold to spinning mills for yarn production, where it begins its journey along the textile chain: from the spinning mill to the finished garment. Large eco friendly clothing manufacturers are very fond of using this African organic cotton. Therefore, they are increasingly grown and cotton made in Africa.
- Important cotton textile manufacturing country in Africa: In recent years, cotton production in Africa has spurred the expansion of Genetically Modified Cotton (GM) production on the continent. In fact, as many as seven countries in Africa have chosen to allow GM cotton production, and four have not: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Egypt or Madagascar. Many other planners are in the process. the process of piloting or developing a policy, including the “Cotton in Africa: Sustainability at a Crossroads” policy, to help African cotton production find sourcing by the Lien Chau Textile Exchange Africa or to the Vietnam clothing manufacturers. And outlines the regulatory status of GM cotton in African countries, the benefits of organic and preferred cotton production, and concerns about GM. It also urges planners to create cotton-produced initiatives in Africa to create an enabling and thriving environment to meet the needs of today’s market.
2. Advantages of cotton from Africa
Africa has the potential to become a significant hub for ethical and sustainable textile-based development with increased production and vertical integration. There are numerous advantages to sourcing organic cotton and GM-free cotton from Africa. Cotton made in Africa is one of the best and most popular materials used in clothes today.
Countries that ban genetically modified seeds will avoid the difficult and complex issue of crop contamination caused by genetic drift and handling, which has become a concern in India and the United States. This gives cotton-producing countries in Africa an advantage in organic production, which is prohibited by genetic modification. By prohibiting GM production, African farmers, national research institutes, and ginners will be able to continue saving and breeding their own locally adapted seed rather than having to purchase seed from a foreign multinational corporation every year.
Africa’s proximity to European and Turkish manufacturing facilities makes it an increasingly appealing sourcing partner for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is the lower carbon footprint of transportation to mills and consumers in those regions.
Following an independent study demonstrating that the two standards share the same stringent requirements, cotton made in africa certification as CmiA/SCS can also be sold as Better Cotton. Farmers have increased flexibility while avoiding additional costs by being able to market their cotton as Cotton Made in Africa or Better Cotton, depending on market demand.
3. Which type of cotton is produced in Africa?
Cotton in Africa is frequently grown as a cash crop, alongside foods grown for subsistence. Cotton Made in Africa’s cultivation methods also assist smallholder farmers in growing food, contributing significantly to food security.
According to the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC), this drought-resistant crop generates five jobs for every ton produced, implying that it has enormous potential in South Africa and throughout the continent. Cotton can be stored for long periods of time without deterioration and is hypoallergenic, biodegradable, and carbon neutral.
Southern and Eastern Africa is Africa’s largest organic cotton production region. Organic cotton is grown in the following Southern and Eastern African countries: South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia. Historically, Uganda has been Africa’s leading producer of organic cotton fiber.
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4. Status of cotton production in Africa
Currently, seven African countries have chosen to allow GM cotton production, while four have chosen not to. Many more are undergoing testing or policy development. The Textile Exchange Pan-Africa Sourcing Working Group’s new white paper, “Cotton in Africa: Sustainability at a Crossroads,” outlines the regulatory status of GM cotton in African countries, the benefits of organic and preferred cotton production, and concerns about GM technology. Given that organic rules prohibit genetic modification, it also urges policymakers to create an enabling environment for preferred non-GM cotton production to thrive on the continent in response to consumer and industry market demand.
The key to expanding preferred cotton production and manufacturing is the creation of institutions, networks, and related infrastructure by governments, industry, farmers, civil society organizations, and foundations working together toward a common goal. This includes having organizations funded and in place that can organize and train farmers as well as manage internal control systems, among other things. Increased demand will not automatically translate into increased production until these additional needs in management capacity and technical expertise are met.
5. Cotton market in Africa
Coronavirus (COVID-19) appeared to have a significant impact on the cotton market, in addition to the serious implications for people’s health and healthcare services. Furthermore, there is a labor shortage in the initial operations, as well as an insufficient supply of cotton to the processing industries and export market due to logistical restrictions on trucking and shipping imposed by the government or non-state actors, which contributes to inconsistent availability and accessibility of cotton.
6. Cotton market trends in Africa in the coming years
Cotton is the world’s most widely used natural fiber and the undisputed ruler of the global materials industry to this day. There is growing popularity of returning to traditional strands such as cotton, which is an exceptionally retentive natural fiber and is suitable for all skin types, making it an appropriate choice for those with sensitive skin. Cotton is a regular fabric that is comfortable and breathable all year.
Cotton exports from African countries are being driven by the increasing use of natural fibers in the textile industry, such as cotton. Burkina Faso is Africa’s largest exporter, with USD 265. 4 million exported in 2020. However, cotton exports from Mali increased dramatically from USD 134.6 million in 2017 to USD 425.2 million in 2019. The majority of the cotton was destined for Asian nations such as Bangladesh, India, Malaysia, Vietnam, and China. Cotton is the most widely used fabric in these countries due to its versatility. It is lightweight, comfortable to wear, and reasonably priced, making it ideal for the Indian Subcontinent’s hot and humid climate.
7. Some of Africa’s top cotton producers
Here are some facts about leading producers of cotton in Africa.
7.1 Benin
Cotton production increased by 13.4 percent between 2017 and 2019, with a record production of 678,000.3 tonnes achieved during the 2018-2019 crop year compared to 597,573.2 tonnes during the 2017-2018 crop year. Because of this performance, Benin has risen to become Africa’s leading cotton producer. The crop year 2019-2020 production forecast is 732,273 tonnes.
Benin’s economic performance over the last three years has been outstanding, and the country’s outlook remains positive, as evidenced by Bloomfield’s long-term investment grade rating of A-. The ten-year development plans announced in 2019 are still in effect, including the strategic plan for agricultural sector development 2017-2025 and the national agricultural, food security, and nutrition investment plan 2017-2021. These programs are supported by seven agricultural development poles, which are responsible for the implementation and expansion of the cotton, rice, cassava, pineapple, maize, and cashew sub-sectors.
7.2 Mali
According to a report from Radio France International (RFI), the French public radio service, Mali has surpassed Burkina Faso as Africa’s leading cotton producer, displacing it for the first time in more than a decade. According to the document, Mali planted a record 795,000 hectares (ha), an increase of 630,000 hectares (382 percent) over last year’s crop.
Mali’s cotton production totaled 700,000 tons at the end of the 2019/2020 season, up 6.6 percent from the previous year. The volume harvested for the 2019/2020 campaign places Mali as Africa’s second-largest producer of white gold, trailing only Benin (714,000 tons).
In relation to USDA estimates, Mali outnumbers Burkina Faso with 1 million 330 bales of white fiber or 90,000 bales more than last year. Burkina Faso, on the other hand, had planted more cotton in greater quantities than its Malian rival.
7.3 Burkina Faso
Since its introduction in 2008, farmers in Burkina Faso have been successfully growing Bt cotton, which has the inherent ability to resist attacks by the highly destructive bollworm pests. This allowed them to cut their pesticide use by up to 70%. According to a national study, the introduction of GE cotton in Burkina Faso resulted in a 22% increase in yield over conventional cultivars and a 51% increase in household profit.
As shown by the National Cotton Council of America, Burkina Faso produced 1.31 million bales of cotton in 2016. Despite the government’s aggressive program over the last year to increase the total land area under cultivation of cotton from 600,000 to 700,000 hectares, it fell to 1.30 million bales in 2017.
Here is some information gathered about the production and consumption of cotton in Africa. I hope to provide useful information through this article by Dugarco. You’ll learn more fascinating facts about African cotton-producing countries. If you have any questions or concerns about our product, please contact us right away.
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4 Responses
What are the challenges facing cotton production in Africa?
Cotton production in Africa faces a number of challenges, including low yields, pests and diseases, and limited access to finance and technology. Climate change is also a major threat to cotton production, as it can lead to droughts, floods, and other extreme weather events.
How can consumers support sustainable cotton production in Africa?
Consumers can support sustainable cotton production in Africa by making informed purchasing decisions, advocating for sustainable practices, and supporting sustainable brands and organizations. Here are some specific actions that consumers can take:
Choose organic cotton whenever possible. Organic cotton is grown without the use of harmful pesticides and herbicides, which can pollute waterways and harm human health. It also requires less water to grow than conventional cotton.
Look for certifications such as the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and the Fairtrade Certification Mark. These certifications ensure that the cotton has been produced in an environmentally and socially responsible manner.
Support brands that are committed to using sustainable cotton. Many brands are now using organic cotton and other sustainable materials in their products. Look for brands that are transparent about their supply chains and committed to ethical practices.
Buy less clothing overall. The fashion industry is a major polluter of the environment. By buying less clothing, you can help to reduce the demand for cotton and other resources.
Care for your cotton clothes properly. Washing your clothes less often and using cold water can help to extend their lifespan and reduce their environmental impact.
Educate others about sustainable cotton production. Talk to your friends and family about the importance of sustainable cotton production. You can also share information on social media and other platforms.
Support organizations that are working to promote sustainable cotton production in Africa. There are a number of organizations that are working to improve the lives of cotton farmers and promote sustainable practices. You can donate to these organizations or volunteer your time.
By taking these steps, consumers can help to make a difference in the lives of African cotton farmers and protect the environment.