What Is Ghana’s Position in Cashew Nut Production and Market?

Cashew nuts in Ghana are mostly produced by small-scale farmers representing about 85% of the total production. It is estimated that over 70,000 hectares of land in Ghana are used to grow cashew nuts. Some of the cashew nut growing areas include; Ahafo and Bono regions. Ghana currently produces around 85,000 metric tons of raw cashew nuts each year, which accounts for about one percent of the worlds’ total production. 

 Cashew production in Ghana is primarily intended to meet unique niche demand (for export) and not household consumption, although a small proportion of nuts are processed for local consumption. Almost all of Ghana’s cashew nuts are exported raw. Of this, over 90% is exported to India and Vietnam by Asian exporters and processors.

Recent agricultural development in Ghana has meant cashew export has received considerable attention due to its ability to push non-traditional agricultural exports.