The African Cashew Alliance (ACA) is intensifying efforts to unlock the full economic potential of the cashew industry by equipping actors with practical skills.
The alliance is focusing on new techniques in production, processing, value addition and marketing, as the continent seeks to boost competitiveness, create jobs and increase farmers’ incomes.
Speaking during a week-long second session of the 21st edition of the Master Training Programme (MTP) for Cashew Value Chain Promotion in Africa, Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) Director General Calistus Kundu said the training had equipped participants with practical knowledge and skills that would strengthen efforts to develop Africa’s cashew industry.
“The knowledge acquired should not end here. We have a responsibility to transfer these skills to farmers, processors, extension officers, investors, as well as other value chain actors. By applying what you have learned, we can contribute to increased productivity, improved quality, enhanced value addition, greater market competitiveness and improved income for our farmers,” said Kundu.
Kundu noted that Kenya has enormous potential to revive and expand its cashew industry, recalling that the crop was once referred to as “white gold” because of the wealth it generated for farmers.
“Through partnerships among government institutions, county governments, the private sector, development partners and research organisations, we can build a vibrant and sustainable cashew value chain that creates employment, supports food and nutritional security, and contributes to economic growth,” he added.
ACA Managing Director Ernest Mintah said the MTP has remained committed to developing a strong pool of skilled, confident and dedicated professionals capable of driving sustainable growth across Africa’s cashew value chain since its inception in 2013.
“Over the years, the programme has evolved, expanding its reach and adapting to the changing needs of the industry. Following the successful implementation of the MTP in East Africa last year, which produced 54 new cashew experts, we are proud that this edition marks the second time the programme has been fully implemented in the region,” he said.
EAC Secretariat Principal Economist for Investment and Private Sector Promotion Charles Omusana said reginal governments had identified cashew as one of priority value chains.
This is due to its immense potential to generate foreign exchange, improve household incomes, create employment opportunities, enhance food security and stimulate rural industrialisation.
“One thing that we are looking at is strengthening regional value chains, increasing intra-EAC trade and earning more foreign exchange,” he noted.
He urged African countries to move beyond exporting raw cashew nuts and instead invest in competitive processing industries that produce high-value products for regional and international markets.
The programme whic had its first session in Tanzania in June this year has been organised in partnership with Market Oriented Value Chains for Jobs and Growth in the ECOWAS Region (MOVE) and the East African Community (EAC) Secretariat, with funding from the European Union (EU) and the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS).
