Cashew nuts are one of the most commonly consumed nuts in the world. These are rich in nutrients nuts provide many health benefits. They are high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats, as well as a range of vitamins and minerals such as magnesium, copper, manganese, and vitamin B6. Not to mention that cashew nuts are a tasty snack that may be eaten plain, roasted, or salted.
Cashew nuts provide a source of revenue for many farmers in Burkina Faso, offering opportunities for livelihood and improving the socioeconomic conditions of the local populations.
Burkina Faso exports cashew nuts to various countries across the world, contributing to the country’s foreign exchange profits. The global demand for cashew nuts gives an opportunity for Burkina Faso to grow its export market and strengthen its position in the cashew industry.
Burkina Faso Cashew Nut
Cashew farmers in Burkina Faso use a unique agricultural framework that combines traditional farming practices with modern techniques.
Farmers first choose well-drained, sandy, or loamy soils with good sunlight exposure for cashew production since these conditions are perfect for cashew plants to thrive.
They then plant the cashew trees from seeds or grafted rootstocks during the rainy season to ensure adequate moisture for seedling establishment.
The cashew nut season in Burkina Faso runs from March to June, with the harvest peaking in April and May.
After the cashew nuts are harvested, they are processed before being exported or sold to local buyers.
Burkina Faso Cashew Price
In 2021, Burkina Faso’s cashew nut exports were valued at just above 116 million US Dollars. This was a very high increase over the previous year’s figure of over 67 million USD.
The sharpest climb was from 2014 to 2015 when the export value increased from approximately 112 million US dollars to over 100% million US dollars.
Here are the total values in export of cashew nuts from Burkina Faso between 2012 and 2021.
Cashew Nut Price in Burkina Faso
The cost of a kilo of raw cashew nuts in Burkina Faso can be between 350 FCFA/kg and 500 FCFA/kg (approximately US$0.59/kg and US$0.84/kg). This is based on the average export price per kg.
Cashew nut prices are normally highest during the harvest season and fall after the harvest season. The price of cashew nuts in Burkina Faso is also influenced by worldwide market conditions.
When the global demand for cashew nuts is high, the price in Burkina Faso will be high as well. However, when worldwide demand for cashew nuts is low, the price in Burkina Faso will also be low.
Burkina Faso Cashew Nuts
Cashew nuts in Burkina Faso are harvested once a year during the dry season, which usually occurs between March and May, allowing for the easy collection of nuts after they have fallen to the ground. The majority of cashew nuts in Burkina Faso are collected by hand, after which the nuts are separated from the cashew apples. This is done manually, and care is required to ensure that the nuts are not damaged throughout the procedure.
The nuts are then dried in the sun or mechanically to reduce moisture content. Proper drying is required to prevent mold growth and ensure the nuts satisfy quality standards.
After processing, cashew nuts are graded depending on a variety of factors such as size, color, and defects. High-quality cashews with fewer defects often command a higher price on the market.
When the cashew nuts are ready for shipment, they are transported to the nearest international port. In Burkina Faso, the Port of Abidjan in neighboring Côte d’Ivoire is a major cashew nut export gateway. International buyers receive the cashew nuts and distribute them through different channels, such as wholesalers and traders.
The Burkina Faso government is also supporting the cashew nut industry by providing farmers with training and access to better markets as well as investing in research to produce new types of cashew trees that are more resistant to pests and diseases.