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

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 ...