An Operational Framework for Improving the Cashew Value Chain and Livelihoods of Cashew Farmers in the Wenchi and Techiman Municipalities

Abstract

This research unearthed challenges in the cashew value chain and developed an operational framework to overcome them and improve livelihoods of farmers in the Wenchi and Techiman municipalities. A descriptive cross-sectional survey and a mixed methods design were used. The quantitative and qualitative data were analysed with SPSS version 20 and content analysis respectively. The mean age of cashew farmers was found to be 55 years. They have cordial relations with cashew traders but not with input dealers, processors and researchers. Cashew farmers perceive extension not to have performed its roles adequately to help develop the value chain. Financial support (particularly loans) from banks is not available to cashew farmers and majority (90.3%) of them claim banks in the Wenchi and Techiman municipalities are not cashew-farmer friendly. Awareness-raising through radio, TV and the print media about the economic importance of cashew and capacity building of farmers are not pursued in the development of the cashew value chain. There is no umbrella organisation that is directly responsible for cashew and the range of policies currently offered in the cashew industry is not comprehensive. The average contribution of cashew to the livelihoods of cashew farmers and their households in the Wenchi and Techiman municipalities is 55%. If an operational framework founded on six critical issues namely: an earnest commencement of the cashew value chain; marketing; value chain financing (VCF); inputs/cultural practices; training/capacity building; and research with corresponding strategies for implementation is operationalised, cashew could contribute minimum 85% to cashew farmers‘ livelihoods to bring many of them permanently out of poverty.