Fertilizer consumption in Africa Western and Central
Africa Western and Central: Fertilizer consumption was 89.1% in 2023. ◆ Volatile
Fertilizer consumption in Africa Western and Central, 1967–2023
Source: FAO electronic files and web site, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), publisher: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Measured in % of fertilizer production.
Analysis
The most recent figure for fertilizer consumption in Africa Western and Central is 89.1%, measured in 2023.
The figure is down 0.4% on the previous year and down 49.3% over ten years.
Over the whole period, fertilizer consumption in Africa Western and Central peaked at 4,661.2% in 2006 and was at its lowest, 51.6%, in 2001.
Africa Western and Central ranks 31st of 46 groups on this measure, in the middle of the range.
The series is highly variable year to year, so single readings are best treated with caution.
Fertilizer consumption in Africa Western and Central, year by year
| Year | % of fertilizer production | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 1967 | 623.5% | — |
| 1968 | 111.0% | -82.2% |
| 1969 | 54.3% | -51.1% |
| 1970 | 121.3% | +123.6% |
| 1971 | 119.5% | -1.5% |
| 1972 | 112.0% | -6.3% |
| 1973 | 130.5% | +16.5% |
| 1974 | 166.8% | +27.8% |
| 1975 | 390.5% | +134.1% |
| 1976 | 416.9% | +6.8% |
| 1977 | 474.8% | +13.9% |
| 1978 | 303.6% | -36.0% |
| 1979 | 409.5% | +34.9% |
| 1980 | 544.9% | +33.1% |
| 1981 | 607.9% | +11.6% |
| 1982 | 850.9% | +40.0% |
| 1983 | 1,178.4% | +38.5% |
| 1984 | 652.7% | -44.6% |
| 1985 | 441.9% | -32.3% |
| 1986 | 398.8% | -9.7% |
| 1987 | 151.3% | -62.1% |
| 1988 | 103.0% | -31.9% |
| 1989 | 114.7% | +11.3% |
| 1990 | 119.3% | +4.0% |
| 1991 | 128.1% | +7.3% |
| 1992 | 119.2% | -6.9% |
| 1993 | 141.8% | +18.9% |
| 1994 | 157.3% | +10.9% |
| 1995 | 107.8% | -31.5% |
| 1996 | 118.9% | +10.4% |
| 1997 | 154.0% | +29.5% |
| 1998 | 127.1% | -17.5% |
| 1999 | 177.3% | +39.5% |
| 2000 | 138.2% | -22.0% |
| 2001 | 51.6% | -62.6% |
| 2002 | 872.7% | +1589.9% |
| 2003 | 730.9% | -16.2% |
| 2004 | 767.8% | +5.1% |
| 2005 | 1,115.1% | +45.2% |
| 2006 | 4,661.2% | +318.0% |
| 2007 | 997.4% | -78.6% |
| 2008 | 2,304.9% | +131.1% |
| 2009 | 520.7% | -77.4% |
| 2010 | 1,753.3% | +236.7% |
| 2011 | 594.5% | -66.1% |
| 2012 | 312.4% | -47.5% |
| 2013 | 175.8% | -43.7% |
| 2014 | 174.2% | -0.9% |
| 2015 | 230.1% | +32.1% |
| 2016 | 165.2% | -28.2% |
| 2017 | 212.8% | +28.8% |
| 2018 | 201.5% | -5.3% |
| 2019 | 236.2% | +17.2% |
| 2020 | 250.9% | +6.2% |
| 2021 | 230.9% | -8.0% |
| 2022 | 89.4% | -61.3% |
| 2023 | 89.1% | -0.4% |
Averages by decade
| Decade | Average | Lowest | Highest | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1960s | 262.9% | 54.3% | 623.5% | 3 |
| 1970s | 264.5% | 112.0% | 474.8% | 10 |
| 1980s | 504.5% | 103.0% | 1,178.4% | 10 |
| 1990s | 135.1% | 107.8% | 177.3% | 10 |
| 2000s | 1,216.0% | 51.6% | 4,661.2% | 10 |
| 2010s | 405.6% | 165.2% | 1,753.3% | 10 |
| 2020s | 165.1% | 89.1% | 250.9% | 4 |
Countries ranked near Africa Western and Central
More agriculture & rural data for Africa Western and Central
- Rural population, per capita 0.4652 units per person (2025)
- Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, value added 21.9% (2025)
- Rural population 247.88 million (2025)
- Rural population growth 1.0% (2025)
- Rural population 46.5% (2025)
- Agricultural raw materials imports 0.7% (2023)
- Agricultural raw materials exports 4.2% (2023)
- Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, value added (current US$), per 350.89 current US$ per person (2025)
- Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, value added (current US$), annual 11.3 % change on previous year (2025)
- Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, value added (current US$), per 0.2193 current US$ per US$ of GDP (2025)
Frequently asked questions
- What is fertilizer consumption in Africa Western and Central?
- Fertilizer consumption in Africa Western and Central was 89.1% in 2023, according to FAO electronic files and web site, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), publisher: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
- What is the highest fertilizer consumption recorded in Africa Western and Central?
- The highest recorded value was 4,661.2% in 2006.
- What is the lowest fertilizer consumption recorded in Africa Western and Central?
- The lowest recorded value was 51.6% in 2001.
- How does Africa Western and Central rank for fertilizer consumption?
- Africa Western and Central ranks 31st out of 46 groups with data for 2023.
- Is fertilizer consumption rising or falling in Africa Western and Central?
- Over the last ten years it is down 49.3%. The long-run trend across the full record is volatile.
- Where does this Africa Western and Central data come from?
- The figures come from FAO electronic files and web site, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), publisher: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), published as part of Fertilizer consumption (% of fertilizer production). Statizoid updates them automatically from the source API.
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About this data
Fertilizer consumption measures the quantity of plant nutrients and is calculated as production plus imports minus exports. Fertilizer products cover nitrogenous, potash, and phosphate fertilizers (including ground rock phosphate). Traditional nutrients--animal and plant manures--are not included. Because some chemical compounds used for fertilizers have other industrial applications, the consumption data may overstate the quantity available for crops. Fertilizer consumption as a share of production shows the agriculture sector's vulnerability to import and energy price fluctuation. Most fertilizers that are commonly used in agriculture contain the three basic plant nutrients-nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Some fertilizers also contain certain micronutrients such as zinc and other metals that are necessary for plant growth. Materials that are applied to the land primarily to enhance soil characteristics (rather than as plant food) are commonly referred to as soil amendments.