Cashew (Anacardiumoccidentale) is an economic tree crop that produces apples and nuts, which grows well in areas with annual total rainfall of between 900-1,400mm and with distinctive wet and dry seasons.
A dry period of 4-6 months is required for flowering and fruit development. Cashew thrives well from sea level up to an altitude of 1,000m above sea level. Elevations above 1,000m are not suitable due to cooler temperatures which delay flowering. The optimum temperature range for cashew cultivation is between 20ºC and 34ºC while the minimum temperature should not be below 18ºC with maximum not exceeding 38ºC.
Cashew cultivation in Ghana started in the 1960’s with sporadic plantings in the Central and Greater Accra Regions and later spread to the Brong-Ahafo, Northern, Upper East and Upper West Regions.Between 1970 and 1980, the industry suffered a set-back due to the absence of the needed support in terms of policies to facilitate its development as an infantagri-industry.
Issues like low producer prices, underdeveloped market structures and inadequate information regarding appropriate husbandry practices for the commodity, caused farmers enthusiasm in the crop to wane considerably and already established plantations were abandoned as they were left to the mercy of rampant bushfires and fuel wood collectors.
Fortunately, the interest in cashew cultivation was rekindled with the introduction of the Economic Recovery Programme (ERP) in 1983, when cashew was identified as one of the major non-traditional crops to be developed as part of Government’s efforts to diversify the country’s export base. Commodity markets were therefore established and liberalized, thus providing the opportunity for farmers to sell the raw nuts.
Cashew farmers once again became avid of the crop and re-invested resources (money, time and labour) to rehabilitate some of the abandoned farms and also expanded their farms. As a result of which Ghana recorded its first export of 15metric tonnes (mt) of raw cashew nuts in 1991. It subsequently increased to 3,571mt in 1997, thus encouraging the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) in 1998, to initiate a research study to thoroughly investigate the status of the cashew industry in Ghana.
Findings of the study revealed that cashew was being cultivated in most parts of the country, with minimal or no agricultural service support and that, there was a huge potential to increase the area under cultivation in the three agro ecological zones of the Northern Savanna (Guinea and Sudan), forest-transitional and coastal savanna in Ghana. The study also concluded that cashew production had tremendous potential in generating additional income for rural folks and therefore could Ghana with the objective of increasing the production substantially as well as processing of cashew in some identified Districts.
The commencement of the Cashew Development project (CDP) in 2002 marked the first major attempt by government to develop and co-ordinate activities in the sub-sector. Prior to this imitative, only a few isolated attempts had been made by some individuals, private companies like Cash pro, some governmental agencies like the Agro-forestry Unit of MoFA, the Forestry Commission, Ghana Export Promotion Council, Ghana National Procurement Agency and NGOs like Techno Serve, ADRA and AMEX to promote and develop the cashew industry in Ghana.
In 2010, when the project ended, it was estimated that the total land area under cashew cultivation had increased significantly from 18,000 hectares in 2000 to 70,000 hectares in 2010. Raw Cashew Nut (RCN) production had also soared from about 5,000mt in 2002 to about 29,000mt. RCN exports on the other hand multiplied from 31,335mt in 2003 to 77,391mt in 2010. contribute significantly to poverty reduction.
This stimulated the government to follow-up with a request for the African Development Bank to finance the implementation of a cashew development project for
Processing units of RCN as at that time had also shot up from 5mt in 2003 to 12mt in 2011 while volumes of kernels produced had remarkably improved from about 10mt in 2002 to 392mt in 2010. Total installed capacity of processing plants on the other hand increased from 210mt/year in 2000 to over 27,000mt in 2011.
The success story did not only manifested in production; research as well gained prominence in institutions such as the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG) with the development of improved technologies to strengthen extension delivery, the establishment of cashew germ plasm plots to broaden the gene pool in the country among others.
In order to improve the marketing of RCN and strengthen the bargaining power of cashew farmers, 156 farmers’ co-operative societies, 13 farmers’ District unions and the umbrella national cashew farmers’ association were formed and registered with the Department of Co-operatives.
Two major institutions in the cashew sector: African Cashew Alliance (ACA) and African Cashew Initiative (ACi) have also since been operating in Ghana by providing varied interventions to the industry with ACA focusing on investment promotion, market linkages and exchange of information among stakeholders and ACi being more concerned with preparing farmers for specialty markets, training on good agricultural practices, quality and food safety standards.
The cashew business environment in Ghana has really improved tremendously in recent years with demand for raw nuts by many countries around the globe increasing a sprint pace. This has created ready markets and improvements in farm-gate prices. The development has given birth to numerous functional farmer associations, processing plants and traders linked to the industry.
Currently, there are about 13installed cashew processing plantsin the country. Of the number,12 of them are situated in the Brong Ahafo Region-hub of cashew production. Recently, Pinora Limited, fruit juice processing company at Asamankese in the Eastern Region has also established a subsidiary plant at Koase near Wenchi. The plant has started collecting the cashew apples for processing which hitherto wereof no economic value to the farmers.
All these entities have triggered more job opportunities along the entire value-chain, thereby reducing poverty, particularly in cashew growing communities as well as enhancing the country’s earnings from the cashew industry. In 2013, it was estimated that cashew generated about US$170 million in the form of foreign exchange earnings, making it the second largest contributor to the non-traditional export crops.
Despite the positive indicators, there is plethora of challenges staring at the development of the industry. The current level of production hovering around 50,000mt in the country is insufficient to meet the installed processing capacity close to 70,000mt and not to even talk of the large quantum that traders export. Previously, processors and exporters used to easily get supplements from La Cote d’Iviore through the borders but the Ivorian government has banned the inland trade of the commodity, causing hard times for the industry in Ghana.
Cashew farmers have been worried about their inability to access competitive credit to boost production and the annual bushfire menace which continues to wreck cashew plantations. Processors also have identified the current system of lending rate to agro-processing banks business unfriendly;skyrocketing utility tariffs;expensive labour cost and swelling import duties on machinery as some of the issues kicking them out of business.
These and many challenges necessitated the formation of the Ghana Cashew Industry Association, an apex cashew supply chain body to among other things promote the interest of actors in the industry. The Association is made up of farmers, processors, traders and service providers. The Association made headway by organising the first Ghana Cashew Season launch in March 2014 at Wenchi.
The event which focused on “Harnessing the Economic and Climatic Benefits of Cashew, the Strategic Non-traditional Commodity,”brought together all the key players of the cashew industry to brainstorm on the prospects, potentials and challenges of the industry.
The impact of cashew production on the socio-economic development of the country particularly around the middle belt is enormous.Countries like India, Brazil and Vietnam are reaping massively from cashew, and it has therefore become imperative for duty-bearers and those in authority to give prominence to the crop in order to fortify the country’s economic fortunes from it [cashew].
I am really happy about what Government of Ghana and other co-operative bodies are doing to improve the production of cashew and hence to alleviate poverty. My concern is that, i am afraid cashew will be struck with disease like what is currently happening to cocoa. Even though companies like cocoa research institute have had some researches on the product, i think more have to be done to ensure speedy recovery in any future occurrences.
Where can I get seedlings of cashew to plant?
call this number 0541061130/0208923289
company name : Volta cashew
we r supply u improved and high yielding seedlings
Advert paa nie, any way thanks for your interest in the project
I want to buy Cashew. Where should I contact
Please reach this line for serious business0545204201..for any amount of tonnes interested
Hi great story about cashew nut. Its really amazing to read.
Love it. Good news
I am entering this good business venture in no time … The cause of my being here to read this ..Please help me with directions and vital information’s…
pls if your really interested contact me on the following numbers 0245667062,0506599001 for more enquiries if you wouldn’t mind I can help.I’m Beatrice
HI can you please share your email address.
Please reach me on this line 0545204201..serious business only for any amount of tonnes interested
I want to enter into cashew planting what are the steps to undertake
You may contact me for discussion on 0244177182
You can n contact me on the phone number provided for more info both on farming and buying of the nut
You still work with Cashew? Please let me know.
I just like the helpful information you supply in your articles. I will bookmark your blog and test once more right here frequently. I’m slightly sure I’ll be informed plenty of new stuff right right here! Best of luck for the next!
Hi beatrice what is the appropriate time to contact you on this cashew business because am interested in the cashew farming and exporting thank you
Please reach this line for serious business0545204201..for any amount of tonnes interested
Email:nanauinknown@gmail.com
I am so much impressed about the cashew farming I have started the cashew farming in the Volta Region after my SHS education last year 2016 . I am finding it very difficult to get any office around me for much enquiries and training. I am using the ideas I acquired during my Geography studies at school. I need some directives please.
Hi. How is production going in the Volta region
Very interesting stuff. I am in Techiman in the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana. Any one interested in cashew business can contact me on 0244177182 for discussion and possible partnership.
Edwin,
Please forward any initial information you may have to start conversation on cashew production
I am a Canadian Distributor of Cashews. I would like to explore the opportunity of purchasing large volumes of Cashews from Ghana. Does anyone have a website that provides a list of farmers name. Also I would like to deal with top producers whom are credible. I do not want to work with an agent who is a middleman
Hello Sajad, I am writing regarding your comment on here about cashew, I am a farmer here in Ghana.
you can contact me for more inquiry on how many quantity you need
Thanks
global200020@gmail.com.
How much is 100kg bag is cashew
I just sent an email to your global200020@gmail address Francies.
Thank you for your earliest response.
Please reach this line for serious business0545204201..for any amount of tonnes interested
This is my Email:nanauinknown@gmail.com
Hello sajad. I’m cashew nut farmer at Tain District in Brong ahafo region. I will like to talk to you about buying our cashew . Here is my email surehybird@gmail.com.
I would like to do business with you, so call me on this number 0505827444
Does cashew nuts supposed to be nurse before planting
Hello i’m Mabel a level 400 student of university of Ghana,i want to work on cashew nut for my product so please i want to know weather you have challenges in selecting your marketing channels.
we are group of cashew nut farmers who want buyers for our cashew products. if you buyer you can contact +233209944078
It seems to me everyone is talking about the nuts aspect of cashew, but there’s great profit to be made from the apple which contains the juice that can be made into a refreshing tasty healthy drink. Its already a success in Benin and we can replicate that in Ghana too. Anyone interested in investing and partnership should contact me. call or whatsapp me +233553495222
that is a great pospect, am a 3rd year Chemical Engineering student @KNUST project who would want to take this on as a future commercial project.
0554617371 i would greatly need your help even in my 3rd year project work on cashew juice.thank u
I want to go into cashew production I need help
Kindly contact(call/whatsapp) me on 0244013261.
I am a 6 year experienced cashew industry expert and currently holding 470 acres of cultivated cashew with plans of reaching 1000+.
We also supply improved and high yielding cashew seedlings which comes with free technical support for the 1st year.
Kindly call me for free consultation.
Kindly contact(call/whatsapp) me on 0244013261.
I am a 6 year experienced cashew industry expert and currently holding 470 acres of cultivated cashew with plans of reaching 1000+.
We also supply improved and high yielding cashew seedlings which comes with free technical support for the 1st year.
Kindly call me for free consultation.
What’s the best time to start cashew planting?
Anyone who wants cashew in bigger quantity should contact me on +233208433440 or WhatsApp on this same number or email me through ogincoas@gmail.com. Thank you.
i wanted to buy cashew for export were do i get some pl i need a contact and the price per 50 kilo thank u
Kindly call me to discuss on 0244177182 thanks.
Please reach this line for serious business0545204201..for any amount of tonnes interested
This is my Email:nanauinknown@gmail.com
I am interested in starting a cashew farm but have little knowledge on it, anyone who can help me get a farm land and technical support should call me on 0502003827
Thanks
It a very good interest you have to start a cashew farming. You may pls contact me on 0244177182. I can be of help.
I am from the Akuapim in the Eastern Region and have started growing cashew.
I started with some few trees and want to expand .My problem s i really don’t know
if cashew will do well in this area.Can someone please advise me on this.
Will be much great full.
Good Morning, am a PhD student and wants to research more into agronomic problems facing cashew production in Ghana. I see cashew as a juicy Gold mining venture when handled well. Hence, the need for researchers to help address identified problems to help farmers. Any Farmer/ NGO with topics worth researching can contact me so that we partner in finding solutions to those problems. 0208377477 Email; Amponyaw@gmail.com
Hi
I have sent you an email.
Kindly revert asap.
Regards.
i want to know some major problems cashew farmers face in their farming enterprise. You can mail me on :Amponyaw@gmail.com or call me on 0208377477. Thanks
I just acquired a 10acre farmland. I want to do cashew farming but have no experience. My only experience is in cereal cultivation. Can anyone or organisation be of help? I can be reached at alojoe2@gmail.com or phone number 0508080205(both voice call and WhatsApp). Thanks a million times for helping me
I need help to start a cashew plantation. I have done cereal farming before but have no experience in cashew farming. Please anyone or organisation capable of helping me? Thanks a million times for your assistance.
Phone number: 0508080205 (WhatsApp and voice)
Enail- alojoe2@gmail.com
consider the following geographical location for cashew farming: Bono Ahafo Region, part of Ashanti region: Offinso North district, Ejura Area, Sekyere Afram plains
GOOD EVENING, I AM ABOUT TO START CULTIVATING CASHEW AND NEED YOUR TECHNICAL ADVICE.
may i know your geographical location?
Bono Ahafo region, and some part of Ashanti region are best for cashew production(Ejura, Office North and Sekyere Afram plaine)
We produce raw cashews nut. Buyers can contact us for any quantity.
AAm Bismarck from berekum, brong Ahafo. We sell cashew in large quantities so any interested person can contact me or WhatsApp me for more information
Thank you.
My name is Yaw Gyau Akyereko, a researcher at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. I want to research on how we can maximize utilization of cashew apple produced in Ghana. i see a lot of prospects in that area from research, commercialization, quality standards, processing and what have you. This could generate income for all the actors along the value chain and help address the problem of food insecurity in Ghana. Any interested person should kindly contact me on 0207745008/0243861215
Great efforts in the agricultural, agribusiness and agro-processing industry.
I believe the 10-year Cashew Development Policy cum the Planting for Export and Rural Development (PERD) of the current govt will further serve as a boost and incentive for investments in cashew farming.
Ours is a new entrance, and hope to come up stream in the next 4 years, in-shaa Allaah.
Visit: mudighana.com
And our App: mudi group
Email: mudiboard@gmail.com
Thanks
Good to see cashew taking center stage in the agric sector in Ghana
I believe the govt’s policies – 10-year Cashew Development Policy and Planting for Export and Rural Development (PERD) – will boost and encourage investment in this nascent cashew production interest.
Mine is a new entrant into the cashew production business and looking forward to contribute positively to creating jobs and national development, and collaboration with key players in the sector.
Thank you
Visit:
Website: http://www.mudighana@gmail.com
App: mudi ghana
I am going into cashew production in the Upper West Region. Any advice on how to go about it.
Very grateful to the authors for this article. I want to embark on a project to improve the cashew apples value chain by processing them into products such as juice, jam etc.. in Ghana. Anyone with useful information to help my project should kindly contact me on goasare@gmail.com or +491788716893.
Thank you in anticipation of a favourable response
Please can cashew be cultivated in the western region of Ghana?
I also want to know if it can be grown in the western region of Ghana. And is it capital intensive.