Cashew Value Chain Improvement
Tanzania,
ongoing
Enhancing the livelihoods of smallholder cashew farmers, especially youth and women, in Tandahimba District and Nanyamba District, Mtwara Region, Tanzania.
Tanzania is the second-largest producer of raw cashew nuts in Africa, with more than 85% of production coming from smallholder farmers. However, systemic challenges persist. Most cashew nuts are exported raw, limiting local value addition through processing and reducing opportunities for job creation. Smallholder cashew farmers face declining yields due to ageing trees, pests, and poor agronomic practices, compounded by climate risks such as drought and erratic rainfall. Access to quality inputs, finance, extension services, and reliable markets offering remunerative prices remains a major bottleneck, particularly for women and young people.
To address these challenges, the project is structured around three interconnected interventions. Each intervention has a distinct strategic focus but is designed to reinforce the others.
Key project outcomes
Improved livelihoods for smallholder cashew farmers through the adoption of sustainable farming practices.
Increased participation of young people and women in the cashew sector.
Strengthened governance of Agricultural Marketing Cooperative Societies (AMCOS) and improved market access through Rainforest Alliance certification.
The project will directly benefit approximately 1,050 individuals, including smallholder farmers, with particular emphasis on the inclusion of young people and women. By integrating these components, the project strengthens farmers’ technical capacity, economic resilience, generational renewal, and the inclusion of women and young people—all essential conditions for long-term sustainability.
Partnerships
Funder: Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland (RVO) – Netherlands Enterprise Agency
Lead partner and grant recipient: Monchy Food Company (MFC) Tanzania
Tanzanian subsidiary of MFC: Amama Farms
