SPECIAL REPORT: Insecurity, other factors limit cashew farming in Nigeria

Published 2024년 6월 11일

Tridge summary

Felicia Akogun, a cashew farmer in Kwara State, Nigeria, faces challenges due to insecurity and the need to quickly harvest nuts before sunset, while also dealing with the neglect of cashew apples and the effects of herders and their cattle on other crops. Despite these challenges, Nigeria's export of cashew nuts, primarily from local farmers like Akogun, has seen significant growth, making it the country's third-largest agricultural export behind superior quality Cocoa beans and Sesamum seeds. The article highlights the potential of the cashew apple, currently overlooked by farmers, and calls for government intervention to develop technology for its processing, which could increase farmers' revenue. Additionally, the article discusses the effects of insecurity and herders on farmers' income and the need for technological advancements to improve the value chain, with a Kwara State House of Assembly member expressing support for initiatives to boost the cashew industry.

Disclaimer:The above summary was generated by Tridge's proprietary AI model for informational purposes.

Original content

Shielded from the scorching sun by the canopy of cashew trees, Felicia Akogun sat behind a heap of cashew fruits. Although some fruits were still fresh, she was only interested in the nuts: 10 kilogrammes would fetch her N9,000. “No one is interested in buying the fruit,” Mrs Akogun said in Yoruba language as she continued separating the nuts from the fruits. The crushed juice of the cashew, mixed with dirt, flowed around her work area but she paid no attention. Her major concern was to pick as many nuts as she could and leave the farm before sunset. The day before, someone was kidnapped not too far from her farm. “No one will buy the fruit here because everyone has cashew farms unless we send it to places in Ilorin, Osogbo, or Lagos. But the cost of the logistics makes that unattractive,” Mrs Akogun said. Her farm is located along the Ijara-Isanlu Road in Isin Local Government Area of Kwara State. That area has become notorious for kidnapping in recent times. The insecurity ...

Source: Premiumtimesng