Agriculture - Industry - MEA Market, Share and Trends 2023-2028

Summary of Agriculture

Agriculture plays a vital socioeconomic role across the diverse Middle East and Africa region. Farming practices vary significantly from irrigated desert crops to tropical staples. Leading agricultural nations include Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, South Africa, Algeria and Iran.

What began as subsistence farming to meet basic needs has evolved into a multi-billion dollar industry. Staple crops like wheat, barley and sorghum are extensively cultivated to meet regional demand. Countries like Egypt and Morocco are also exporters of agricultural goods.

This region accounts for approximately 4.5 % of the global revenue. Based on our estimates, we can say that the Middle East and Africa’s agriculture industry is forecasted to be a $259.37 billion industry in 2029 from $203.18 billion in 2023 with a CAGR of 3.8%.

Rising incomes are driving shifts toward higher-value fruits, vegetables and protein. Rapid urbanization is increasing the need for efficient, sustainable farming techniques. Governments support modernization through subsidies, research and trade policy. Precision agriculture adoption is expanding to boost yields.

The diverse agricultural landscape continues adapting to meet nutrition needs. Cell-based meat research also shows potential as a sustainable alternative protein source. Innovation will be key for the sector to feed growing populations amid worsening environmental stresses.

Recent Trends and Insights

The sector faces challenges from water scarcity exacerbated by climate change, soil degradation, and effects of conflict in some areas. Salinization of irrigated lands also threatens productivity. Regenerative practices around conservation, drip irrigation and agroforestry show promise.

More farmers are adopting regenerative practices like conservation tillage, cover cropping and agroforestry to improve soil health and water retention. There is growing interest in circular agriculture approaches.

Rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns are threatening crop and livestock production in some areas. Drought resilience is a growing priority.

Governments provide subsidies and financing support to encourage modernization, diversification into high-value crops and adoption of sustainable techniques.

Rainfed crops are grown during the wetter winter period, while irrigated areas are cultivated year round. The main rainfed crops are wheat, barley, legumes, olives, grapes, fruit and vegetables. A wide range of subtropical crops – including fruit and vegetables – is also grown under irrigation in the summer months.

Livestock – mainly sheep and goats – are an important feature of many farming systems and provide key linkages between and within the different systems – from extensive pastoralism to feedlots in peri-urban agriculture.

Product Insights

Wheat and barley – which are considered as main staple crops grown – across North Africa and the Middle East– with Egypt, Morocco and Saudi Arabia among top producers. Based on the premise that increasing food production would – in part – lead to food security, some states in the region have taken steps such as Qatar– in cooperation with shopping malls and large retail outlets, has developed the “National Product” initiative, promoting “Made in Qatar”. Qatari farmers grow fruits and vegetables in greenhouses and add the official “National Product” label, highlighting local products.

UAE, Egypt and Iraq are leading global producers of Dates. Premium varieties have growing international demand. Oranges, grapefruit, lemons cultivated in Morocco, Egypt, South Africa. Major exporters to Europe. Tomatoes, potatoes, onions widely grown. Greenhouses boost yields and exports.

Sheep and goats reared throughout the region, especially Gulf countries. Beef and dairy cattle industry centered in the region is also flourishing. Aquaculture is a rising sector in Egypt, Saudi Arabia while Algeria focused on shrimp and marine fish. Saffron from Morocco, sesame from Sudan & cumin from Egypt have significant value.

Key Companies

Some major players within this vast domain of industry are

• Olam International
• Savola Group
• Flour Mills of Nigeria
• Raha Group
• Cevital
• Corteva Agriscience
• Rabobank

Regional Analysis

Egypt is the largest producer, focused on wheat, maize and rice. Morocco exports citrus and vegetables to Europe. Dates, dairy, poultry major sectors. Saudi Arabia and UAE invest in greenhouse and aquaculture technologies.

The Middle East is now renowned for the number of innovative start-ups that have emerged. Designed “to increase and improve the performance of the agricultural sector, while using less energy and more sustainable methods” – these technologies rely on data analysis, the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI), among other things. Aware of the food emergency, the GCC countries – “at the forefront” of the “AgriTech movement” – are investing heavily in public-private partnerships and collaborations.

Ethiopia, Sudan and Somalia dependent on coffee, sesame, livestock. Prone to periodic droughts. Nigeria is the largest economy, producing yams, cassava, cocoa. Dairy and poultry growing industries. South Africa is a food exporter, focused on corn, grapes, citrus and beef. Namibia and Botswana rearing beef cattle.

Subsistence farming of roots, plantains, cocoa dominates. Conflict hampers growth in DRC, South Sudan. It also has been estimated that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has made the largest investment – $100 million – as part of its “National Food Security Strategy”.

Market Segmentation

By Type:

• Crop farming
• Livestock farming
• Mixed farming (combination of crop and livestock)
• Aquaculture (farming of fish and other aquatic organisms)
• Horticulture (cultivation of fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants)
• Forestry (management and cultivation of forests)

By End User:

• Commercial farmers
• Small-scale farmers
• Agribusinesses and cooperatives
• Government and research organizations
• Retailers and distributors of agricultural products

By Sub-Sector:

• Arable farming (crops like wheat, corn, rice, etc.)
• Dairy farming (production of milk and dairy products)
• Poultry farming (raising chickens, ducks, and other birds)
• Viticulture (cultivation of grapes for wine production)
• Floriculture (cultivation of flowers)
• Specialty crops (such as herbs, spices, and niche products)

By Countries:

• Saudi Arabia
• Iran
• United Arab Emirates
• Israel
• Egypt
• Iraq
• Qatar

Our Methodology

We have offered a well-founded review of Middle East and Africa’s agriculture industry along with ongoing trends and upcoming projections to highlight proximate investment opportunities in this report. Moreover, an extensive analysis of any future prospects, challenges, competitors, or navigating aspects is also provided. A methodical detailed regional examination is presented.

Primary Research  

Our multi-pronged research approach includes interviews with industry leaders and a global survey of advanced manufacturing professionals to gain qualitative insights. We utilize our proprietary databases encompassing key performance indicators worldwide in order to collate relevant data points. A multivariate forecasting framework considering historical performance, current dynamics and qualitative factors are utilized to develop market sizing and growth projections through 2029.

We supplement our primary research with a careful examination of secondary materials such as– case studies, news stories and references from other sources. Organizations can benefit from the strategic advice and conclusions offered because they will be better equipped to respond to the dynamic nature of this industry and seize emerging possibilities.

We employ a comprehensive and iterative research methodology focused on minimizing deviation to provide the most accurate market estimates. Our research utilizes a combination of bottom-up and top-down approaches across segments and utilizes databases, primary research insights and industry experts for analysis.

Raw data is obtained from multiple sources and thoroughly filtered to ensure only authenticated and validated sources are considered. We collect data from raw material suppliers, industry associations, technology providers, and buyers to gain a holistic perspective.

Quantitative Analysis

Our market estimates are derived through statistical models, beginning with collection of historical data and analysis of macro- and micro-economic factors influencing the market. Gathered information on market dynamics, technology and pricing trends are utilised to build the models.

Econometric and technological models are applied to project short- and long-term market potential respectively. A bottom-up approach is preferred to minimize errors. Key parameters considered include market drivers and restraints, material pricing trends, regulatory scenarios, and capacity additions.

Weights are assigned to these parameters based on impact analysis and market forecasting is performed via statistical tools and techniques. We believe this methodology results in an accurate and realistic market picture.