Strengthening Cashew processing in Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria and Ghana
Jump-starting West African cashew industry, one processing plant at a time
West Africa is responsible for 45% of all raw cashew nut production today, but less than 7% of it gets processed where it is harvested. Together, we can change that.
TechnoServe’s Prosper Cashew project builds partnerships, bringing together processors and other supply-chain actors, investors, and the public sector to keep the economic and social value of the cashew at its source in West Africa.
This will create profitable enterprises along the value chain that benefit farmers, workers, and communities for the long term.
Mission
Rally collective forces to build a thriving and sustainable West African cashew processing industry.
Long-term Goal
50% of domestic raw cashew nut production in West Africa processed into kernel prior to export.
Geography
Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria.
Duration
October 2020 – September 2025
Our strategic pillars
Provide unique, high quality, tailored technical assistance.
Integrate the supply chain and enhance marketing prospects of West African processed kernels.
Link investors to West African cashew processing businesses through matchmaking.
Our Partners
Prosper Cashew is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture’s Food for Progress Program, which aims to improve agricultural productivity and to expand trade of agricultural products. TechnoServe is the lead implementer and is supported by ISF Advisors.
About USDA and its Food for Progress (FFPr) program: FFPr was established in the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018 (Farm Bill) (Pub. L. No. 115—334). For a list of grant recipients and to learn more about FAS’ investments in enhancing and strengthening agricultural systems in developing countries, visit https://fas.usda.gov/programs.
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy, and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.
TechnoServe: A nonprofit organization operating in 29 countries, TechnoServe is a leader in harnessing the power of the private sector to help people lift themselves out of poverty. By linking people to information, capital and markets, TechnoServe has helped millions to create lasting prosperity for their families and communities. TechnoServe is the lead implementer of the Prosper Cashew project.
Initiative for Smallholder Finance: Initiative for Smallholder Finance (ISF) is an advisory group committed to transforming rural economies by delivering partnerships and investment structures that promote financial inclusion for rural enterprises and smallholder farmers. ISF participates as an active technical advisor to the Prosper Cashew project team with a view to strengthen the ecosystem of financial services available to firms in the cashew processing sector and facilitate investment through the Cashew Catalyst Fund.
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