Kwale: The government has intensified efforts to revive the cashew nut subsector, targeting increased production, value addition, and improved incomes for farmers across key growing regions. Principal Secretary for Agriculture Dr. Paul Ronoh, speaking during a national cashew conference in Kwale, emphasized that food security remains central to the government’s agenda and is critical to both economic stability and national security.
According to Kenya News Agency, Dr. Ronoh highlighted the decline of the cashew nut subsector, which was once a strong performer in the 1970s. Currently, production stands at about 9,000 metric tons annually despite supporting more than one million households across 15 counties. He stressed the need for actionable outcomes from the conference to translate into real change for farmers.
As part of the recovery plan, the government, through the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA), will distribute two million improved cashew seedlings across Coastal, Eastern, and Western regions. This initiative aims to increase production to over one million metric tons within five years, potentially raising the sector’s value from Sh520 million to about Sh60 billion. Dr. Ronoh also urged farmers to adopt early-maturing varieties to boost productivity.
Agriculture and Food Authority Director General Dr. Bruno Linyiru stated that the Authority is scaling up efforts to support farmers through improved seedlings, extension services, and value-addition initiatives. He emphasized the focus on high-yielding, early-maturing varieties to enhance productivity and farmer incomes rapidly. AFA is collaborating with county governments to expand cashew farming into new regions while strengthening traditional growing zones.
AFA Chairman Cornelly Serem called for stronger collaboration between government, private sector, and development partners to unlock the full potential of the cashew value chain. He highlighted the need to shift from exporting raw cashew nuts to processed products to ensure farmers earn more and create jobs locally.
Farmers welcomed the initiative but called for sustained support and implementation of resolutions agreed upon at the conference. Fauzia Kassim, a cashew farmer from Kwale County, expressed optimism about the distribution of improved seedlings and urged the government to ensure the quality and suitability of the seeds for local conditions.
The three-day conference has brought together stakeholders from government, the private sector, research institutions, and international partners to develop a strategic roadmap for the cashew nut subsector. Stakeholders expressed optimism that the renewed focus on the cashew value chain will boost farmer incomes, enhance food security, and contribute significantly to Kenya’s economic growth.
