Côte d’Ivoire expands potato and onion production with Dutch support

COTE D’IVOIRE – Côte d’Ivoire is strengthening ties with Dutch investors and experts to improve farming practices and reduce reliance on imports as demand for potatoes and onions continues to rise.

Dutch investment and expertise plays a key role in meeting these agricultural needs and boosting local production.

As such, Côte d’Ivoire has relied heavily on potato and onion imports from the Netherlands in recent years.

In 2022, the country imported approximately 20,000 tons of potatoes, marking a 15% increase from the previous year. Onion imports also grew by 10%, reaching around 15,000 tons.

Dutch onions are valued for their longer shelf life and consistent quality, making them a popular choice in the market.

However, there is growing interest in developing local cultivation to reduce dependence on foreign supplies. “Côte d’Ivoire is eager to collaborate with Dutch entities,” said GUDE-PME, a local business group.

Farmers and investors see Dutch expertise as an opportunity to improve yields, implement better pest management strategies, and introduce modern farming techniques.

Discussions between Ivorian stakeholders and Dutch companies highlight the need for capital investment, training, and technological support.

Improved farming techniques could help farmers increase productivity while minimizing losses caused by pests and diseases. Dutch expertise in logistics and supply chain management could also streamline distribution, ensuring that locally grown produce reaches markets efficiently.

There is also a broader focus on sustainable farming methods. Training programs will equip farmers with the skills needed to enhance soil fertility, reduce post-harvest losses, and increase the overall quality of agricultural products.

This move aligns with the government’s long-term plan to achieve greater self-sufficiency in food production.

In addition to potato and onion farming, the cashew sector in Côte d’Ivoire is also expanding. The country is projected to produce 1.15 million tonnes of cashew nuts in 2025, reflecting a 20% increase from the 944,667 tonnes recorded in 2024.

To support farmers, the government has set a farm gate price of 425 CFA (approximately US$0.68) francs per kilogram, up from 275 CFA (approximately US$0.44) francs last year.

Local processing is another area of development, with 21% of cashew production being processed domestically in 2023. The government aims to raise this figure to 50% by 2030, which could create employment opportunities and add more value to the sector.

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.