Top Kola Nut Producing Countries

The kola nut, derived from trees of the genus *Cola*, is primarily cultivated in West African countries, with Nigeria, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, and Cameroon being the top producers. Historically, the kola nut has deep cultural and economic significance in West Africa, where it has been farmed and traded for centuries. Indigenous to the tropical rainforests of Africa, kola nut cultivation spread as local peoples recognized its stimulating properties and incorporated it into social rituals and commerce. The nuts became a valuable trade commodity, especially across the trans-Saharan trade routes, and later played a role in the formulation of early soft drinks, most notably Coca-Cola. Over time, kola nut farming techniques evolved from wild harvesting to more systematic orchard management, with farmers selecting trees for higher yields and better nut quality. Today, kola nut remains integral to West African agriculture, economy, and tradition, while also being exported to other regions for use in food, beverages, and traditional medicine.

Data from United Nations FAO Stat