China alone imported more than 323,000 tons of peanuts from Senegal in 2020, equivalent to more than 90 per cent of Senegal’s total peanut exports. In light of these volumes, it is not surprising that the cultivation and export of peanuts offer considerable economic opportunities for farmers, traders, and the state.
Did Senegal export groundnuts in the 1960s?
The 1960s were very good years for Senegalese peanuts. At the peak in 1965, Senegal produced 1.1 million tonnes of groundnuts, and exported about 300,000 tonnes of them —which represented roughly 20 percent of total global peanut exports.
Why is peanut oil important in Senegal?
In Senegal, most of the peanuts that are produced are destined to be crushed into oil. It therefore becomes extremely important that producers choose the optimal varieties for this purpose. As the suitability of seeds deteriorates or fluctuates, it can take more and more peanuts to produce the same amount of peanut oil.
Are there different types of peanuts in Senegal?
Peanuts come in a number of different varieties, all of which have a particular use. In Senegal, most of the peanuts that are produced are destined to be crushed into oil. It therefore becomes extremely important that producers choose the optimal varieties for this purpose.