Why is Benin the leading cotton producer in Africa?
Over the period 2017-2019, cotton production increased by 13.4%, i.e. 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. This performance has enabled Benin to become the leading cotton producer in Africa.
How much cotton is harvested in Benin?
Harvested area is forecast a record 3.3 million hectares, up 0.3 million hectares or 10 percent from last year. Benin was the leading cotton producer for the region last year and is forecast to be the top producer again this year (Figure 1).
Does Benin produce cottonseed cake?
From 2016 to 2018, Benin went from 3,377 to 18,747 tons of cottonseed cake produced in semi-industrial production units. This production was destined for intra-African exports in markets like Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. Studies most notably highlight the great potential of developing cotton by-products in cotton-producing countries like Benin.
What is cottonseed oil?
Cottonseed oil is a vegetable oil, extracted from cotton seeds. It is used as edible oil, especially in North America, Africa and Central Asia, but also in many non-food fields such as: the manufacture of soap, beauty products (creams) for dry, mature skin and damaged due to its high Omega 3 and 6 content.