ACA Calls for Greater Investment in Cashew Research

ACA Calls for Greater Investment in Cashew Research

The African Cashew Alliance (ACA) has urged governments, development partners, and industry stakeholders to make resilient, sustainable and competitive investment into cashew research to secure the future of the industry.

This call was made by ACA Board Member, Mr. Soro Beh during his address at the opening ceremony of the 2025 International Cashew Research Conference (ICRC), organized by the Consultative International Cashew Conference (CICC) in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire.

Mr. Beh noted that despite the remarkable growth of cashew production over the past two decades and its crucial role in economic growth and job creation, the industry faces major threats, including climate change, pest and disease and soil degradation, that endanger long-term industry sustainability.

He called on governments of cashew producing countries to “prioritize research in their national agricultural agendas, by allocating resources to research institutions, agricultural extension and related initiatives.” He further appealed to development partners to “align their support with cashew research priorities.”

“Through research, farmers can be equipped with improved planting materials, processors can be guided towards cleaner and more efficient technologies, and policy makers can create evidence-based strategies,” he emphasized.  

Mr. Beh commended CICC Scientific Commission for its efforts in harmonizing cashew research across different countries and encouraged researchers to continue to share new ideas, best practices and innovations that will help transform the cashew industry.

He also invited stakeholders to the 19^th ACA Annual Cashew Conference and Expo, scheduled for 18^th to 21^st November 2025 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. He highlighted that this year’s theme, “Unlocking Cashew Investment Opportunities for Sustainable Economic Growth” will feature dedicated sessions on the importance of strategic investment in cashew research.