The cashew nut marketing campaign is in full swing in Côte d’Ivoire this year, with the Cotton and Cashew Council projecting over 1.3 million tons of raw nuts. While this figure aligns with recent years, it represents a potential decline of 200,000 tons compared to 2025. However, the situation is far from uniform across the country, with some regions facing significant challenges—particularly in the northeastern Bounkani area.
climate irregularities hit cashew production hard
Kouamé Ouattara, a farmer near Bouna, has seen his 3-hectare cashew orchard produce almost nothing this season. He recalls a time when his yield was far more impressive: “Three years ago, I could harvest up to 500 kg per hectare. Now, I barely manage to gather two bags from the entire plot.” He blames the drastic drop on shifting rainfall patterns. “Normally, heavy rains between November and December help the cashew trees bloom. But this year, the rains stopped in October. No significant rainfall occurred from October through February, and the flowering failed. Without flowering, there can be no harvest—that’s the rule.”
beekeepers suffer alongside cashew farmers
Beekeepers who maintain hives in cashew orchards are also feeling the pinch. Koffi Ouattara, president of the Koflangué beekeepers’ association, reports a stark decline in honey production. “Last year, we harvested 100 liters of honey. This year, we’ve barely managed 30 liters. It’s a significant loss for our community.”
farming practices need urgent improvement
Experts point to more than just climate factors. Dr. Sibirina Soro, a researcher at the University of Daloa and national cashew project coordinator, highlights problematic agricultural practices. “Many orchards resemble dense forests because initial planting densities were not respected. The recommended density is 100 trees per hectare, but many plots exceed that, leading to overcrowding and reduced yields.”
Soro also emphasizes the lack of chemical use in Ivorian cashew farming. While this keeps the produce organic, it makes crops more vulnerable to pest damage and poor weather. He conducts regular training sessions to combat pest infestations and advocates for better support for farmers to enhance resilience.