Tanzania’s cashew industry is a vital part of the country’s economy, representing a source of livelihood for millions of farmers and bringing in valuable foreign income. As global demand for cashews rises, Tanzania has increasingly positioned itself as a key player in the international market, known for its high-quality nuts and sustainable farming practices. This journey—from farms in Tanzania to shelves in international stores—reveals the intricate process and dedication involved in bringing this prized crop to the world stage.
From Farm to Processing Plant: The Early Stages of Cashew Production
The journey of Tanzanian cashews begins in the fields, where farmers meticulously care for their cashew trees. These trees thrive in Tanzania’s tropical climate, particularly in the southern regions such as Mtwara, Lindi, and Ruvuma. Here, farmers prepare the soil, plant cashew saplings, and nurture them through their growth stages.
After planting, it takes about three to five years for the trees to start producing cashew nuts. During the harvesting season, which usually spans from October to December, farmers gather the nuts by hand. This process is labor-intensive, but it ensures the quality of each cashew nut.
Once harvested, the nuts are sun-dried to reduce moisture, enhancing their storage and shelf life. The next stop is a processing facility, where the nuts undergo further refinement.
Processing: Adding Value and Ensuring Quality
Processing cashews is essential for increasing their market value and making them suitable for export. TANECU has set ambitious goals for cashew processing in Tanzania, focusing on building more processing factories and improving existing facilities. The aim is to capture a larger share of the value-added market by exporting fully processed cashews rather than raw nuts.
In processing plants, the cashews go through several stages: shelling, peeling, grading, and packaging. Shelling involves removing the outer shell, which contains a toxic resin and requires careful handling. Once shelled, the cashews are peeled to reveal the creamy, edible nut. Each nut is then graded based on size, color, and quality to meet specific market standards, ensuring that Tanzania’s cashews maintain a reputation for excellence.
Market Destinations: Where Tanzanian Cashews Go
Once processed and packaged, Tanzanian cashews are ready for global markets. The main destinations include the United Arab Emirates, the United States, and China. These countries have shown a growing demand for healthy snacks and plant-based ingredients, with cashews being a favorite. In addition to whole nuts, Tanzanian cashews are also exported in the form of cashew butter, oils, and ingredients used in food manufacturing.
Each year, Tanzania’s cashew industry contributes significantly to the country’s economy, providing jobs, stimulating growth in rural areas, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
Overcoming Challenges in the Cashew Industry
Despite its successes, Tanzania’s cashew industry faces challenges. Limited processing infrastructure has historically led to the export of raw cashews, which are then processed abroad. TANECU and other industry stakeholders are working hard to change this by increasing domestic processing capacity, thus capturing more value locally.
Fluctuating global market prices and climate change are also concerns that affect production. TANECU is committed to helping farmers adapt to these challenges by providing resources, training, and access to technology that supports resilient and sustainable farming practices.
TANECU’s Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, TANECU has set its sights on building a sustainable, thriving cashew industry in Tanzania. By establishing new processing plants and creating auxiliary industries, TANECU aims to strengthen the local economy and improve the livelihoods of cashew farmers. The organization is also focused on sustainable practices that will allow the industry to grow responsibly, meeting the demands of both local and international markets.
The journey of Tanzanian cashews from farm to market is a testament to the hard work of farmers, the innovation of local industries, and the growing appreciation for Tanzanian cashews worldwide. With continued investment, Tanzania is on track to solidify its place as a leading exporter of high-quality cashews, delivering taste, quality, and sustainability to the world.
