Ivory coast cashew harvest drops in Bounkani region

The cashew harvest season is in full swing across Côte d’Ivoire, with the Cotton and Cashew Council projecting over 1.3 million tonnes of raw cashews this year. This represents a slight decline from last year’s output, reflecting a persistent downward trend despite generally favorable production conditions. However, certain regions are facing significant challenges, particularly in the Bounkani area of the northeast, where erratic rainfall patterns have disrupted the harvest.

On a three-hectare cashew plantation near Bouna, farmer Kouamé Ouattara shares his struggles this season. “Three years ago, I could harvest up to 500 kg per hectare. Now, I’m barely collecting two bags from the entire plot,” he says. Ouattara blames the poor yield on disrupted rainfall patterns. “Typically, heavy rains between November and December help the cashew trees flower. This year, the rains stopped in October,” he explains. “No significant rainfall occurred from October through February, preventing flowering. Once flowering fails, you have to wait until the next season. This year’s crop is effectively a write-off.”

The impact extends beyond cashew farmers. Beekeepers who maintain hives in cashew plantations are also suffering. Koffi Ouattara, president of the Koflangué beekeepers’ association, reports a drastic drop in honey production. “Last year, we harvested 100 liters of honey. This season, it’s down to just 30 liters,” he notes. “For us, this is a major loss.”

farming practices need urgent improvement

Dr. Sibirina Soro, a researcher at the University of Daloa and national coordinator of the cashew research project, points to poor farming practices as a major factor. “Much of the decline stems from incorrect planting density,” he says. “Many orchards resemble dense forests because initial planting densities were not respected. The recommended density is 100 trees per hectare, but many fields exceed this, leading to overcrowding and competition for resources.”

Soro also highlights the need for better pest management training. He conducts annual workshops to help farmers combat insect infestations, emphasizing the importance of chemical-free approaches in Côte d’Ivoire’s cashew sector. “Our farmers avoid synthetic pesticides, which makes them more vulnerable to losses during poor harvest years,” he adds.