Cowpeas Prices Explained

Cowpea prices slowly gained popularity in the market as more people looked for this commodity due to the rising demand for plant-based proteins and the expansion of cowpea farming in developing and less-developed areas.

In the current market environment, producers should focus on improving cowpea cultivation processes to obtain a competitive advantage. Additionally, top cowpea country producers are Brazil, India, and Nigeria. Like many other agricultural commodities, cowpea prices are subject to change for a variety of reasons.

Why are cowpeas prices fluctuating?

1. Weather Conditions

Unfavorable weather events such as droughts, floods, extreme heat, or low temperatures have a major impact on both cowpea production and quality.

On the other hand, favorable conditions such as sufficient rainfall, optimal temperature, and sunshine help to improve cowpea quality and productivity. Overall, lower yield and quality increase the price of cowpeas while higher yield and quality decrease cowpeas prices.

2. Transportation Costs

The price of cowpeas is influenced by the costs associated with their production and transportation.

Various factors such as quality, availability, and market conditions impact the prices of inputs like seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and water. Generally, cowpeas prices typically increase when there is a rise in input and transportation expenses and decrease when costs decrease.

3. Consumer Preference

Since cowpeas are rich in protein, they might experience increased demand as consumers shift towards healthier, plant-based diets. Black beans, lentils, chickpeas, and soybeans serve as excellent substitutes for cowpeas, providing comparable nutritional benefits. Thus, these changes in food practices increase demand which in turn affects its value.

4. Market Policies

Cowpea prices are determined by market policies that affect trade and competition. Additionally, subsidies and constraints bring down the price of locally produced cowpeas, whereas tariffs, taxes, and quotas raise the cost of imported cowpeas. Moreover, these rules have both advantages and disadvantages for cowpea growers, buyers, and sellers.

Which variables impact the price of cowpeas?

• Weather Conditions
• Transportation Costs
• Consumer Preference
• Market Policies
• Competition from Other Crops
• Storage and Processing Costs

Where does cowpeas come from?

Cowpeas are part of the family of beans and peas. Although referred to as a pea, it is more precisely categorized as a bean.

Additionally, both peas and beans belong to the legume family. Moreover, it plays a crucial role in semi-arid regions across Africa and Asia. Four main types of cowpeas are cultivated for human or animal consumption.

1. Unguiculata – The most common type of cowpea, it is also known as the field pea, crowder pea, black-eyed pea, or southern pea. Its seeds are white, cream, green, black, or reddish-brown, whereas the pods are green, purple, or yellow. Furthermore, this kind of cowpea is widely grown across Africa, Asia, and South America.

2. Biflora – This type of cowpea exhibits a shrubby growth pattern with small and round seeds typically in brown or black hues. Also, the pods are short and curved, and the seeds find application as animal feed or cover crops. Moreover, this variety is native to Africa, Southeast Asia, and India.

3. Sesquipedalis – It grows in a vining pattern with long and thin pods that reach a height of three feet. Additionally, the seeds are tiny and usually black or brown, and the pods are green or purple. Overall, this kind of cowpea mostly grows in Asia.

4. Textilis – Also known as wild cowpea, this variety displays a climbing growth pattern and features hairy pods housing large and round seeds typically in red or brown hues. In some parts of Africa, the seeds are used as a staple food or as a snack. This type of cowpea is native to Africa and is also grown in the Caribbean and South America.

What are the uses of cowpeas?

Cowpeas are a great source of fiber, proteins,  vitamins, and minerals.

Black-eyed peas’ high fiber and plant-based protein composition reduce hunger hormones and aid in weight loss and might also have antioxidant qualities. Cowpeas are not only a nutritious food source but also have various industrial applications. Some of its possible uses are:

1. Animal Feed – Cowpeas have a high protein content and are commonly used as animal feed. Additionally, the plant’s leftovers and seeds are used in animal feed, giving animals an important source of nutrients.

2. Green Fertilizers – When they are left to decompose in the field, they release nutrients into the soil acting as a green fertilizer and contributing to the overall fertility of the soil.

3. Industrial Starch Production – Starch is extracted from cowpeas and used for various industrial applications. Additionally, it serves as a thickening agent in food processing or used in other industrial processes.

4. Biological Nitrogen Fixation – Cowpeas have nitrogen-fixing bacteria in their root nodules, allowing them to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can use, thus benefiting the soil by enhancing its fertility.

What is the future price of cowpeas?

Cowpeas are becoming more popular around the world due to their nutritional and nutraceutical properties as well as advantageous social and economic production considerations. Its antioxidants and dietary fiber properties are good ingredients for herbal products which customers have a growing affinity.

Additionally, it finds solid application in the food and beverage business because it improves the nutritional value, flavor, and texture of food items. Furthermore, rising consumer consciousness regarding healthy lifestyles and nutritious foods is leading to a preference for high-quality, natural, and organic products.

Overall, the price of cowpeas will reach $2.8 to $4.0 per kilogram in 2028, with a CAGR of 5.50%.