Ghana’s cashew production drops 30% in 2024, industry eyes growth in 2025 

GHANA – Ghana’s cashew production for the 2024 season declined by 30% compared to the previous year, according to the Africa Cashew Alliance.  

The country produced approximately 161,000 metric tonnes of raw cashew nuts (RCN), down from the 230,000 metric tonnes recorded in the 2023 season. 

The decline has been attributed to unfavorable weather conditions experienced in 2023, a trend that may persist into the first quarter of 2024.  

Crop estimation remains challenging, as cashew volumes often flow from landlocked countries in the north and from neighboring Côte d’Ivoire. 

In 2023, Ghana’s Ministry of Food and Agriculture estimated that over 200,000 farmers were actively engaged in cashew cultivation, highlighting the sector’s significance to the economy.  

Despite this year’s decline, production is projected to increase by 15% in 2025, driven by favorable weather and improved farming techniques. 

Beyond production concerns, stakeholders have expressed worry over the country’s limited cashew processing capacity.  

Currently, only 6% of RCN is processed locally, with more than 90% exported in raw form. This has raised concerns about missed economic opportunities, as processing within Ghana could significantly increase the sector’s contribution to national revenue. 

In response to illegal exports, the Tree Crop Development Authority (TCDA) issued a warning in February, cautioning individuals and companies against exporting raw cashew nuts without proper registration or licenses.  

The authority labeled the practice as illegal and damaging to Ghana’s agricultural trade. 

Ghana is the world’s third-largest exporter of raw cashews, producing an estimated 180,000 metric tonnes annually and earning approximately US$300 million from exports. 

However, industry analysts believe increased investment in local processing could unlock an untapped potential exceeding US$660 million. 

Cashew farming and trade provide livelihoods for over 200,000 farmers and another 200,000 individuals engaged in processing, transportation, and marketing.  

In 2020, Ghana exported about 139,743 metric tonnes of raw cashew nuts, generating US$251.4 million, with Vietnam and India being the primary destinations for processing. 

In a bid to enhance competitiveness and processing capacity, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire formed a partnership in October 2024.  

The collaboration aims to boost local cashew processing, improve marketing strategies, and secure better international market deals for farmers. 

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