Western Africa produces the largest share of cashew nuts in Africa, growing by nearly 2,443% since 1990

Key Takeaways:

  • Africa’s total cashew nut (in shell) production increased from 172,050 tonnes in 1961 to over 2.25 million tonnes in 2023, a growth of approximately 1,209%.
  • Western Africa has been the primary driver of this growth since the 1990s and now produces the largest share of cashew nuts in Africa.
  • Western Africa accounted for 84% of Africa’s total cashew nut production by 2023.
  • Middle Africa has maintained a minimal but consistent level of production.
  • Eastern Africa led production from the 1960s through the 1980s before being overtaken by Western Africa.
  • The most significant growth in Africa’s cashew production began in the 1990s.
  • Despite overall growth, cashew production in Africa has experienced periodic fluctuations.
  • Mostly due to their climate conditions, Southern and Northern Africa regions are less favourable for cashew production than other African regions.

Over the past six decades, Africa has experienced a dramatic transformation in cashew nut production. From just 172,050 tonnes in 1961, total output rose to over 2.25 million tonnes by 2023, an increase of more than 1,200%.

In the early years, Eastern Africa dominated cashew nut production. However, production in the region began to decline significantly in the late 1970s, falling to just 80,170 tonnes by 1983.

The 1990s marked a turning point. Western Africa experienced rapid growth and, for the first time, surpassed Eastern Africa in 1990 with a production volume of 74,158 tonnes. Factors that might have contributed to Western Africa’s rise include increased investment in cashew farming as well as favourable government policies that supported industry expansion.

Meanwhile, Middle Africa has remained a minor contributor, producing a steady but low quantity of cashews, around 2,156 tonnes annually. Factors such as poor nut quality, pest infestations, and an unsuitable climate are likely attributed to limited production in the region.

Source:

Food and Agriculture organization of the UN

Period:

1961-2023
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