Cashew in West Africa: A Systematic Review

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@article{1713834,
      author = {Adesokan, M. A., Yusuf, T. I., Arowolo, S. T., Jimeshio, J. G., Atolagbe T. E.; Adeyemi M. A.},
      title = {Cashew in West Africa: A Systematic Review},
      journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
      year = {2026},
      volume = {9},
      number = {7},
      pages = {3001-3014},
      issn = {2456-8880},
      url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1713834.pdf},
      abstract = {The cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) has recently gained global recognition due to Africa's increasing integration, particularly in West Africa, and its role in cashew nut production. West African countries, including Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Benin, and Nigeria, maximize cashew farming annually, resulting in increased cashew nut yields. West African countries, particularly Côte d’Ivoire, are significant players in the cashew value chain, with a total production of 3 million tons in 2024. However, despite the large production of cashew nuts, West Africa is not reaping the full benefits of its production due to inadequacies in processing and value addition. Nations that process cashews earn more than West African countries. This implies that poor or a lack of processing facilities contributed to revenue loss in West Africa. Inadequate infrastructure, limited access to finance, market volatility, weak research and extension systems, and quality control challenges all contribute to low revenue generation. This review was therefore carried out to itemize the problems associated with cashew production and marketing, explore their potential solutions, and examine the sustainability, continuity, and expansion factors for cashew and cashew nut production and processing. The creation of Policy and institutional frameworks that support cashew development, improved financing, trade, and market dynamics, as well as sustainability and climate change considerations, including gender, youth, and inclusive development, are among the means to address the identified problems. In conclusion, West Africa has the potential to earn more from cashew and cashew derivatives if value additions are properly explored and local investors are encouraged.},
      keywords = {Cashew, Cashew Nuts, West Africa, Production and Processing.},
      month = {January},
      doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I7-1713834}
  }