Joseph Isangura
Tanzania is taking significant steps to strengthen its cashew industry by deploying 500 extension officers to key regions where cashews are grown.
The goal is to increase production from 305,000 tonnes to 700,000 tonnes by the 2025/26 season, supporting the nation’s broader agricultural growth ambitions.
These officers are stationed across five major cashew-producing areas: Mtwara, Lindi, Ruvuma, Coast, and Tanga. The plan is for these officers to work directly with local farmers, offering guidance on best farming practices, tackling production challenges, and providing regular training to improve cashew yields.
The initiative was highlighted during the Cashew Production, Processing, and Marketing review meeting, which took place in Dodoma at the PSSSF Hall. Agriculture Minister Hussein Bashe stressed the importance of having extension officers in every ward, ensuring that farmers receive the support they need to improve their production. He also mentioned the importance of registering all cashew farmers and their trees to make sure inputs like seeds and pesticides are distributed fairly.
The 500 extension officers were recruited through the Build Better Tomorrow (BBT) programme, a partnership with Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA). The group includes 100 graduates with university degrees and 400 officers with diplomas. This blend of educational backgrounds is expected to bring both theoretical knowledge and practical experience to the field, ensuring that farmers benefit from a well-rounded approach.
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Francis Alfred, the Director General of the Cashew Board of Tanzania (CBT), explained that this deployment is just the beginning. It’s a pilot program, and there are plans to extend it to all 17 cashew-growing regions across the country. The ultimate aim is to hit the 700,000-tonne production target, a milestone that would significantly contribute to the national economy and the livelihoods of thousands of farmers.
Through this initiative, Tanzania is working to transform its cashew industry, ensuring that farmers have the resources, training, and support they need to succeed. If successful, the program will not only boost cashew production but also create long-term economic benefits for rural communities and the country as a whole.
