Cotton, weaving a better future

23/09/2022

The cotton sector contributes significantly to the economies of many low-income countries, as a source of employment and livelihoods. It is estimated that cotton sustains about 32 million growers and benefits over 100 million families across about 80 countries in 5 continents.

The World Cotton Day (7 October) offers an opportunity to highlight the vital role that cotton plays in economic development, international trade and poverty alleviation.

Ahead of the celebration, find out more about this important commodity with a selection of FAO publications.

The Cotton-4 (C-4) region in the context of the global cotton market: short and medium-term outlook

This document analyses the cotton market in the Cotton-4 (C-4) countries, Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad and Mali. It studies the current market situation and medium-term prospects of the sector and considers the way forward.

OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook 2022-2031

This publication brings together the commodity, policy and country expertise of both organizations, as well as input from collaborating member countries, to provide an assessment of the prospects of national, regional and global agricultural commodity markets for the coming decade. Chapter 10 describes market developments and medium-term projections for world cotton markets for the period 2022-31.

Recent trends and prospects in the world cotton market and policy developments

This report discusses the key trends that affect the cotton market, the relationship between man-made and cotton fibres, and the extent to which technology can alter that relationship. It aims to support policy-making and investment strategies for a more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable cotton sector.

Azerbaijan: Cotton sector review

Based on field visits, interviews and meetings with public and private sector stakeholders, this study identifies prospective investment challenges and opportunities associated with the Azerbaijani cotton system, with a focus on major agronomic, economic and social issues.

Further reading

• Together we are more cotton
• Recent trends and prospects in the world cotton market and policy developments
  • Executive Summary
  • Policy brief
• Child Labour - Eliminating child labour and forced labour in cotton-growing communities
• NICHOS DE MERCADOS DEL ALGODÓN
• Mujeres de algodón: roles de género y participación en las cadenas de valor en Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Paraguay y Perú
• El estado de arte del sector algodonero y asociados en países del Mercosur
  
  

Additional resource

• FAO Markets and Trade – Cotton
  
  

Forthcoming

• Eliminating child labour and forced labour in cotton-growing communities
• the case of Burkina Faso
• the case of Mali