Cashew Farming Research Articles

Motivasi Petani dalam Pengembangan Usahatani Jambu Mete di Kelurahan Benjala Kecamatan Bontobahari Kabupaten Bulukumba

This study aims to determine the motivation of farmers in developing cashew farming in Benjala Village, Bontobahari District, Bulukumba Regency. The population of cashew farmers in Benjala Village, Bontobahari District, Bulukumba Regency is 58 cashew farmers. From this population, 15 cashew farmers were taken as a sample by means of deliberate sampling (simple purposive sampling). Based on research on farmer motivation in the Benjala Village area, it can be concluded that farmer motivation based on motivation theory can be concluded that it is not fulfilled properly. Based on the table from the research results in Benjala Sub-District, it shows that security needs get the highest score, namely 2.66 physical needs with a value of 2.30, appreciation needs with a value of 2.03, social needs with a value of 1.80, self-potential development needs get the lowest score, namely 1.36. This is due to many factors, starting from unstable prices, the long fertilization process, and the absence of government attention to cashew commodities and the absence of innovations or techniques that can be obtained by farmers, making farmers prefer to focus on corn and peanut commodities

Assessing Key Constraints in Cashew Production: Insights from Kerala and Tamil Nadu, India

India ranks among the world’s top cashew producers, with Kerala and Tamil Nadu serving as key contributors to the country's cashew production. Among the Plantation sector, specifically cashew cultivation plays a pivotal role in boosting farm economy in India. This particular study explores field constraints experienced by cashew growers in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, which significantly impacts cashew cultivation. The key objective is to compare field challenges experienced by cashew growers among major producers in southern regions of India. The methodology involves a purposive multi-stage sampling approach to select regions, with an equal proportion of 80 respondents from each state selected through simple random sampling. Totally, 160 cashew growers were investigated for data collection through pre-tested structured interview schedule. The data sets were analysed using SPSS software, with frequency and percentage analysis employed to rank the identified constraints. The significant findings were pest and disease infestations, labour scarcity, unstable market price, lack of technical know-how and inadequate processing facilities. Notably, 100 per cent of growers reported that, Cashew Stem and Root Borer (CSRB) infestation as a most critical issue in both states. This paper highlights, region-specific and timely technical interventions, commodity-specific assured markets, proper pricing system and infrastructure development. The study's interpretation highlights the need to address high-priority and specialized constraints through targeted policy reforms and technical support systems, aiming to enhance the productivity and sustainability of cashew farming in India. These findings also provide valuable insights that can be applied to other cashew-producing regions and contribute to shaping national agricultural policies.

Sustainable livelihoods through cashew cultivation: insights from smallholder farmers in the southern region of India

Cashew cultivation has emerged as an important agricultural activity in promoting sustainable livelihoods for smallholder farmers. The present study investigates the impacts of cashew cultivation on sustainable livelihoods of smallholder farmers in the Southern region of India, addressing a significant research gap in the understanding of how this crop affects various aspects of farmers' lives. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study reveals that, cashew farming significantly increases farmers’ income, leading to improvements in food security, education, social status, and standard of living. These findings contribute to new insights into the socio-economic and environmental dimensions of cashew cultivation, offering a holistic understanding of its role in rural development. Additionally, the study also emphasizes the need for government policies supporting smallholders in cashew farming, including training, access to quality seeds, and best agricultural practices. Social welfare initiatives and cooperatives can improve the overall well-being of cashew farming communities. Research and development should prioritize climate-resistant cashew varieties to address environmental challenges linked to cashew cultivation. The study’s results also provide a foundation for future research and policy formulation aimed at enhancing the practice of cashew farming for sustainable livelihoods.

Linking landscape habitats with prevalence of fusarium wilt disease of cashew crop in Tanzania

Epidemic of Cashew Fusarium wilt disease (CFWD) has been a continuous focal challenge in the cashew farming, in Tanzania. Limited to edaphic conditions as a major factor in its epidemic, the current study aimed to assess the habitat-disease relationship. Purposive surveys involving assessment of disease prevalence and habitat compositions were conducted across four landscapes of southeastern zone from 2019 to 2023. Findings revealed a widespread of CFWD across diversified landscapes possessing varying habitat characteristics, mainly cultivated land with mature cashew, brownish sand loamy soils, grassland or shrub vegetation, seasonal river streamlines and natural water wells. The highest disease incidence and severity were noted at Nachingwea/Masasi plain (99.28:88.34%) followed by Liwale inland plain (98.64:89.3%), Coastal zone (72.72:59.83%) and Tunduru dissected plain (62.13:54.54%). The habitat characteristics were strongly similar within the landscape (0.86-Jaccard index) except between villages of the coastal zone (0.71-Jaccard index). Across landscapes, Nachingwea/Masasi plains and the Coastal zone were strongly similar to Tunduru dissected plain (0.63—1.0-Jaccard index), but strongly dissimilar with the Liwale inland plain (0.67—0.70- Jaccard distance). Furthermore, the presence of greater than 0.5 suitability indices across landscapes were revealed, with Liwale inland plain having strongest suitability index of 0.743 followed by Coastal zone (0.681), Tunduru dissected plain (0.617) and Nachingwea/Masasi plain. Significantly, the habitats had an increase of 0.1 suitability index, and positively correlated with disease prevalence by triggering disease incidence of 13.9% and severity of 31.4%. The study for the first time revealed the presence of an association between disease prevalence and landscape habitat characteristics of southeastern, Tanzania; paving the way to inclusive thinking of habitat as one of the drivers in the prevalence of fusarium wilt disease of cashews. Further research on the genetic coevolution of Fusarium oxysporum across landscapes to strengthen disease risk management in the cashew industry is recommended.

Prospects for Development of Integrated Beef Cattle and Cashew Farming in Muna Regency

The study aimed to find out the prospects of Development integrated farming business of beef cattle and cashew nuts. The study was carried out from March to May 2021. Respondents of the study consisted of beef cattle farmers who also grow cashew nuts. Sample of the location were determined purposively for a reason that not all sub districts are located in Muna regency, only a few out of 22 sub districts in total. Samples of sub districts and villages were selected purposively on a consideration that there were both beef cattle cattle and cashew nuts in the selected sub districts and villages. Samples of cattle breeders were determined with a random sampling, meaning that all breeders had equal opportunities to be selected. Data and the study were obtained by means of direct interviews, which were analyzed by Feasibility Tally Sheet. Based on the research results can be concluded. The research results show that integrated cattle and cashew farming has prospects for development with each rating, namely technical (7), economic (7), social (4), financial (4) and factors management (6) .

Effect of land use on soil macrofauna in Southern Ghana

ABSTRACT The study explored the impact of land use changes on soil biodiversity, focussing on soil invertebrates in a converted natural forest. Using parallel transects 1 km in length positioned 200 m apart across cocoa, coffee, and cashew farms and natural forest areas, we sampled soil invertebrates with pitfall traps. The findings reveal a significant decline in soil invertebrate populations in cocoa, coffee, and cashew farmlands compared to natural forest. The number of soil invertebrates recorded in the wet season was generally less than the number found in the dry season. Mean soil invertebrate count in the natural forest was approximately double that of the count in cashew farms. Soil invertebrate density was highest in the dry season in the natural forest and lowest in the cashew farms. The study contributes a holistic understanding of the intricate relationships between land use changes and soil biodiversity, emphasizing the urgency of adopting conservation measures and policy interventions to safeguard the rich diversity of soil ecosystems for future generations.

Salvaging Cashew Apples Through Processing into Simulated Cashew Meat

Cashew tree (Anacardium occidentale) is a cash crop mainly grown for its nuts. The dried apple is a good source of protein and non-digestible fibre that is essential to prevent many diseases as it helps in bowel movements to remove waste and non-digestible food materials from human system. The dried apple was obtained from extracting juice from the whole apple before drying. The use of apple which is a by-product can be an opportunity for diversifying activities on the farm. The farmers' revenue can increase through various opportunities which, exist for using cashew apples. However, these opportunities are presently not utilised adequately since most farmers are of the peasant status and has no knowledge on how to process the apple. Due to its high rate of perishability, cashew apples will not require to be transported over long distances and need to be processed, if possible, at the farm settlements. Simulated cashew meat was processed by subjecting cashew apple to juice pressing, blanching, salting and different methods of drying. The products obtained were subjected to physiochemical analysis, sensory evaluation and shelf-life studies. The percentage values for pH, moisture, crude protein and crude fiber contents were 4.71, 9.33, 18.31 and 14.32 respectively. The meat-like substance developed from cashew apple was very similar to dry meat. The sensory analysis revealed that there were no significant differences between processed cashew meat when compared with dry meat. The products were stable at room temperature for three months, studies on going to extend the shelf life further. Production of simulated cashew meat as a substitute for both meat consumers and vegetarians had come as a way of adding value to cashew apples that waste away in our cashew farms during peak seasons.

Abon Merapi (Mente Rasa Sapi) sebagai Bukti Kecintaan terhadap Kearifan Lokal Masyarakat Lombok Timur

Cashew nuts (Anacardium occidentale) are plants with great potential and high economic value in West Nusa Tenggara Province. East Lombok Regency is one of the cashew producing areas in Indonesia. Local people usually call it guava jemet or guava jebet. So far, cashew farming communities have only used the true fruit or what is better known as the seeds for sale. However, in reality, the pseudo-fruit of cashew nuts or what is commonly referred to as the fruit can be processed into a product that has high economic value, namely made into shredded meat. Shredded cashew is usually made from cashew fruit that is quite old or already ripe. Thus, the aim of making cashew floss is to create a new innovative product by optimizing the use of cashew fruit as an ingredient for making shredded cashew fruit, so that it can produce cashew floss with good quality and high selling value and is beneficial for consumers. This method of making shredded meat starts from the tool and material preparation stage, the processing stage, the shredded making stage, and the evaluation stage. Then a report is prepared and the article is published. It is hoped that the results of this activity will become an innovative product with high sales value and be published as an article that can be used as a reference for optimizing natural resources.

Distribution, characterization and chemical management of noxious shrub weed (Dichapetalum stuhlmannii Engl) in cashew in southeastern Tanzania

Weeds are among the limiting factors that influence low production of economically important crops including cashew (Anacardium occidental L.). Shrub weeds attribute to inter-competition for resources, hinder harvesting and ultimately reduce cashew yields in Tanzania. The current study determined the distribution, characteristics and chemical control option of Dichapetalum Engl in Lindi and Mtwara regions, Southeastern Tanzania. The distribution study involved a survey for weed presence along the areas of Lindi and Mtwara regions. The characterization included distilling, and assessing the growth and development properties of shrub weed. Chemical herbicides; glyphosate 480g. ai/l, 2, 4 D - Dichlorirophenoxyacetic 720g. ai/l, triclopyr 160g a.i./l and 1:1 mixture of glyphosate 480g a.i./l plus triclopyr 160g a.i./L at 15, 20 and 25 mls of formulated product/L of water per 4 m2 were tested on tender, mature and blooming growth stages of D. Stuhlmannii and three spraying frequencies. Findings revealed that the D.stuhlmannii, is a widely distributed shrub weed in Lindi and Mtwara regions. The weed was characterized with three main growth stages of seedling, mature and blooming with a long tap root and evergreen throughout the wet and dry seasons. The tested herbicides revealed the potential suppression of D. Stuhlmannii growth. Glyphosate and a mixture of glyphosate + triclopyr at 15 ml/L outperformed triclopyr and 2, 4 D across all the growth stages. Double spraying of glyphosate and its mixture bettered frequencies of triclopyr and 2, 4 D. The delayed regrowth of suppressed shrub weed took 90–120 days after application of herbicides. The current study recommends for single or double applications of glyphosate herbicides at 15 ml/L or 10,700 ml/ha on tender or mature D. Stuhlmannii in cashew farms. Further studies on the economic feasibility and effect on the microbiota of applied fungicides are required.

Assessment of farmers’ knowledge on the foliar fertilizer use for improved cashew (Anacardium occidentale L) productivity in south-eastern Tanzania

Purposethe study aim was to evaluate the farmers' knowledge on fertilizer use in cashew by assessing their awareness on the fertilizers, extent of use, obtained benefits from use in cashew, limiting factors of use, availability and changes after use. Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L) is a recent topmost strategic crop in Tanzania. Through cashew, earnings of > $585 million were reached in 2017/18 season. Chlorosis, flower abortion and dropping of immature nuts hinder cashew production referring the decrease from 3200,000 Metric Tons (MT) in 2017/18 to less than 200,000 MT in 2021/2022. Farmers’ knowledge on fertilizer use in cashew is not precisely known. Methodsthrough cross-section design using questionnaires, purposive sampling of respondents was done. Four villages each from three agro-ecologies i. e, Makonde Plateau (MP), Tunduru Dissected Plains (TDP), and Masasi-Nachingwea Plains (MNP) were selected in South-eastern, Tanzania. About 480 households were interviewed. Resultsabout 75% of respondents were aware of foliage fertilizers while 45.4% agreed on their suitability for cashew. About 44.7%, 27.9%, and 27.4% of respondents use foliar fertilizers in TDP, MP, and MNP, respectively. Some respondents (3.7%) apply 1 L of foliage fertilizers per round acre−1 and 5.1% apply for 1–3 rounds, and some few (1%) apply up to 10 rounds season−1. Cashew farming experience and credit access negatively influenced foliar fertilizer uses; hence foliar fertilizer prices linearly reduced the extent of use. Conclusionlimited knowledge among the farmers on fertilizer use in cashew was a challenge. Therefore, farmers' training and detailed fertilizer use research are recommended.

How Agricultural Commercialization Impacts Migrants' Land Tenure: Unpacking Displacement and Tenurial Adaptations in Ghana's Agricultural Landscape

ABSTRACT Following green revolution ideologies, smallholder commercialization is promoted as a pathway to African economic transformation. Nonetheless, polices that incentivize commercial production in Ghana affect migrant groups negatively with respect to land tenure. While some migrants are displaced from rented lands, others offer their labour services in exchange for the right to "freely” intercrop on native’s cashew farms. The tenurial aspects of the new land–labour exchange relations cluster around labour tenancy without farmland or tree crop benefit sharing. A reversal to pre-historic non-capitalist tenure modes is favoured in land-abundant areas while market-based tenure is increasingly combined with food crop gifts.

Farinha de ossos e hidrogel aumentam a fertilidade do solo com cultivo de cajueiro em áreas semiáridas

ABSTRACT Cashew trees are often cultivated in semi-arid regions with poor soil and limited rainfall, presenting significant challenges for soil management. This study aimed to evaluate soil fertility based on varying doses of bone meal (0, 250, 500, 750 and 1,000 g pit−1), mixed into the planting pit with or without moisture-retaining hydrogel (0 and 5 g pit−1), in dwarf cashew ‘BRS 226’ cultivation. The soil chemical attributes were monitored over two growing seasons. The bone meal application increased the soil pH by 221 % along the two years and boosted the organic matter by 13 % in the first year and 28 % in the second one. The use of 5 g of hydrogel per pit, combined with 1,000 g of bone meal per pit, is recommended to improve the soil fertility in semi-arid cashew-growing areas over a two-year period. The bone meal fertilization in cashew planting promotes beneficial changes in the soil, and the hydrogel has a great potential in cashew farming, offering an alternative for expanding the fruit production in regions with low rainfall and sandy soils.

PERCEIVED EFFECT OF SEASONAL BUSH BURNING ON CASHEW PRODUCTION IN DEKINA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KOGI STATE

Aim of the study: This study aims to evaluate the effects of periodic bush burning on cashew production in Dekina Local Government Area, Kogi State, Nigeria. Design/Methodology: A total sample size of 120 respondents for the study was chosen using a multi-step, random selection method. A structural questionnaire was used to compile the information. The data was evaluated utilizing the frequency count, percentage, and mean. Findings: The result showed that the most perceived effect of bush burning on cashew nut production was a reduction in the flowering of cashew trees (Mean=2.75), and destruction of the vegetative part thus reducing future yield (Mean=2.71). The study also revealed a 50% reduction in the expected average yield (tons) per hectare when affected by bush burning. Practical Implications: This research shows that bush burning is an incessant activity people engage in seasonally in the study area without recourse to its negative effect on cashew production. It affects the yield and overall productivity of cashew farming. Originality/value: The hallmark of this research is to bring to the fore the urgent need to re-enforce existing policies on bush burning to regulate or control incessant bush burning to reduce its effect on cashew production and the entire biodiversity. It also immeasurably contributes to the existing literature on the factors limiting the production of cashews with optimum yield and productivity. It exposes the fact that curbing bush burning and its resultant effects will improve cashew production and its commercial value. Keywords: Cashew production, Bush burning, Cashew farmers Paper Type: Research Paper

The social significance of children’s work in cashew supply chain activities in Ghana

ABSTRACT The aim of this paper is to investigate the social significance of children’s work in cashew supply chain activities in Ghana. Using survey and semi-structured interviews, we gathered data from 218 children working in cashew supply chain activities in Ghana. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis approach. The results show that children’s involvement in various stages of cashew supply chain activities is highly gendered. Working in cashew supply chain allowed children to gain farming and life skills, earn income to meet some school expenses, and support household livelihood building efforts. Work allowed children to meet their peers outside of the home economy to engage in conversational activities that are not easily supplied by leisure activities. While there are perceived negative implications of children’s work on schooling, we conclude by reiterating the need for policy to recognise the significant learning opportunities and social interaction for children working on family cashew farms.

Income Outside the Agricultural Sector in Increasing the Household Income of Cashew Farmers in Lalemba Village Lawa District West Muna Regency

This research is motivated by the fact that most of the people who farmed cashew nuts in Lalemba, West Muna Regency have the primary goal of meeting the needs of daily life aincreasingase household income. This study aims to determine the income of cashew farming and the household income of cashew farmers. This research was conducted in Lalemba Village, Lawa District, West Muna Regency, from May to December 2021. The variables in this study included age, education level, number of family members, land area, cashew farming income, and household income. This research uses farm income analysis and household income analysis. The sample of guava farmers was 38 respondents. The results of the study showed that the average income of cashew farmers was IDR. 6,302,119/Ha/Year. The.a verage household income is IDR. 18,459,883/year. The average household income consists of other farming income of IDR. 7,039.080/Ha/Year, and the average non-agricultural income is IDR. 5,018,684/Year.

Food security among cashew farming households in Kogi state, Nigeria

Food security among cashew farming households in Kogi state, Nigeria

The socio-environmental impacts of tropical crop expansion on a global scale: A case study in cashew

Tropical crops like cashew (Anacardium occidentale) receive limited socio-ecological research attention despite expansion in regions of high biodiversity. We investigated how cashew plantations affected biodiversity and livelihoods globally by conducting a systematic literature review and modelling the potential overlaps between cashew land suitability and threatened vertebrates. Nine studies on the effects of cashew on biodiversity from India, Guinea- Bissau and Nigeria showed four to 84 % species richness reductions for fungi, plants, butterflies, birds, and terrestrial mammals across cashew and ‘reference habitats’ such as forests, woodlands, coffee plantations and sand dunes. Three studies reported that cashew harboured a subset of generalist butterfly and bird species when compared to woodlands, coffee, and forests with no evidence of forest-dependent species in cashew. Preliminary studies (n = 3) showed that the potential for facilitative coexistence among humans and wildlife in cashew land use, although further research is necessary to evaluate this. Livelihood effects of cashew farms from 29 studies across the tropics showed that cashew farms are dominated by smallholders who rely increasingly on cultivar cashew. Latin American and Asian countries showed spatial overlaps between land suitable for cashew and areas of threatened vertebrate species richness. FAO data showed that land area under cashew is expanding in African and Asian countries, but not in Latin American countries. Our study highlights the importance of studying tropical crops that lack large, apparent land-use footprints but affect biodiverse regions through steady, small-scale expansion.

Smallholder cashew production and household livelihoods in the transition zone of Ghana

AbstractAlthough the adoption of cash crops among smallholder farmers is meant to increase the commercialisation and profitability of agriculture, it is still unclear if cashew farmers are better off or worst off from cashew farming in Sub‐Saharan Africa. The study investigated the overall effects of cashew production on household livelihoods among smallholder farmers in the Transitional Zone of Ghana. The study employed a mixed research methods design for data collection and analysis. These methods included focus group discussions (FGDs), key informant interviews (KIIs), and a survey of 239 cashew‐farming households. The results revealed both positive and negative outcomes for farmers and their households. First, the positive outcomes included increased income, enhanced social status, improved food and nutrition, housing and education. Second, the negative outcomes included increased theft, high cost of goods and services, high cost of living, and a rise in physical health problems among farmers. The study concludes that, overall, cashew farmers and their households experienced improved livelihoods despite the negative effects arising from cashew farming. To maximise the livelihood outcomes of smallholder cashew farmers, we underscore the importance of a multi‐stakeholder approach to development planning that promotes innovations in training, extension support, and sound financial and business management.

State-led agricultural subsidies drive monoculture cultivar cashew expansion in northern Western Ghats, India.

Agricultural commodity production constitutes an important livelihood source for farmers but significantly contributes to tropical deforestation and biodiversity loss. While the socioecological effects of agricultural commodities such as palm oil, cocoa and coffee are well studied, the effects for commodities such as cashew (Anacardium occidentale) have received less attention. Global cultivated area for cashew increased rapidly from 526,250 ha in 1980 to ~5.9 million ha in 2018. India is the world's second largest cashew producer, with cashew farms often occurring adjacent to remnant forests. To mitigate deforestation for cashew expansion, it is necessary to understand present-day land use policies and management practices that drive this expansion. Through semi-structured interviews (n = 65) and a literature review on agricultural policies in India, we evaluated the role of state-led land use policies in cashew expansion and characterised present-day cashew farming systems in the Sawantwadi-Dodamarg landscape in India. Agricultural subsidies introduced from 1980s to 1990s encouraged cultivar cashew expansion and influenced land use conversion from rice and privately owned forest to cashew. Farmers preferred cultivar cashew as they produced higher yields faster, although they required more agrochemical inputs and were susceptible to pests and wildlife depredation. About 80% of farmers had planted cashew farms by clearing forests in the past 30 years and expressed interest to continue the same. Farmers avoided applying for government-sponsored compensation for crop losses due to wildlife depredation and chose instead to expand cultivar cashew into forested areas. Our study deepens the understanding of how government-led agricultural subsidies drive farmers' uptake of cashew cultivars, farmers' cashew management practices, and how these factors drive deforestation in this landscape at the state and farm level. We recommend further research with equitable stakeholder participation in cashew farming systems to devise sound planning for forest conservation and sustainability standards for the cashew industry.

Perception of Job-Seeking Graduates in Oyo State Nigeria to Cashew Production

Cashew is an important and commercially grown cash crop in Oyo state and Nigeria generally for its apple and most importantly the nuts. Cashew cultivation in recent years has experienced a yield decline due to few cashew farmers involved and moribund cashew trees. This paper aims to understand the perception of job-seeking graduates in Oyo state to cashew production and proffer recommendations that will help in promoting their participation. Some selected areas were considered in Oyo state and data were collected using a questionnaire on socio-demographic characteristics of the respondent, awareness on cashew tree and its importance, opinion of respondents to cashew farming, perception of respondents to money-making opportunities in cashew production and categorization of the respondents based on their level of perception. 270 respondents were considered in the survey. Data were analyzed using the SPSS statistical package. Results showed that 45.5% of the unemployed graduates were between the ages of 30-34 years. The study also showed that 90.7% know the economic importance of cashew while 89.3% know cashew farming as profitable. Farming ventures interest 73.3% of the unemployed graduates while 66.7% would want to venture into cashew farming. 52.2% of the job-seeking graduates had a favourable level of perception about cashew production. The perception of the job-seeking graduates is satisfactory as the favourability of their level of perception to cashew production is a little above average. Feasible loans or grants should be made available and easily accessible to job-seeking graduates to promote their involvement in cashew farming.