2040 Agricultural Forecast: Top 5 High-Demand Products in the Global South
By 2040, the Global South will experience a major change in agricultural consumption. This shift will be driven by rapid population growth and urbanization in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. As incomes rise, eating habits are shifting. People are moving beyond basic foods to more protein-rich and processed options.
Here are the Five products expected to see the Biggest increases in demand.
1. Maize
Demand for maize is expected to grow by about 45% by 2040 According to CGIAR. This increase is largely due to its dual role as a staple food and as animal feed. As the livestock sector grows to satisfy the demand for meat, the need for feed grains like maize will rise sharply, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia.
Projected Trend: Prices and trade volumes are likely to remain volatile but trend upward as production struggles to keep up with the increasing demand for feed.
2. Meat and Poultry
Consumption of meat and poultry in lower-middle-income countries is expected to rise by 24% by 2034 According to Caribbean news global, with this trend continuing steadily toward 2040. Poultry is leading this growth, as it provides a widely accessible and affordable source of protein for urban populations.
Regional Focus: The FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) predicts the most dramatic increases will occur in South Asia and Africa, where per capita meat consumption is currently low but rising quickly.
3. Dairy Products
Production and demand for fresh dairy products in developing countries are forecast to grow by 38% over the next decade, According to Feedstuffs News This sector is booming, particularly in India and Pakistan, which are set to become major players in the global dairy market.
Statistic: By 2040, the Global South is expected to drive most of the growth in global milk production, significantly outpacing developed countries.
4. Vegetable Oils
Net exports of vegetable oils from developing countries are expected to nearly triple by 2050. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, This indicates strong and ongoing demand growth through 2040. Vegetable oils, such as palm and soybean oil, are widely used in cooking, food processing, and increasingly as biofuel.
Market Shift: As urban consumers depend more on processed and convenient foods, the industrial demand for vegetable oils is rising.
5. Fertilizers
The global fertilizer market value is projected to reach almost $277 billion by 2034. According to Precedence Research, Increased application rates in Africa could raise global volumes by 5% as the continent modernizes its farming practices. To address the yield gap and feed a population expected to double in some regions, adopting nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers is essential.
Conclusion
By 2040, the agricultural landscape will shift from basic survival calories to high-value nutrition and industrial inputs. For investors and policymakers, the message is clear: the future of food is heading South.
Are you ready to adjust your agricultural strategy for the next decade? Contact us today to explore detailed market reports and take advantage of these emerging trends.
