The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has been working to strengthen the cashew nut value chain in Guinea-Bissau, the country’s main export product, under the “One Country, One Priority Product” (OCOP) initiative led by FAO Director-General Dr. Qu Dongyu. Launched in August 2023, the project aims to increase productivity, sustainability, and income for rural communities by promoting good production practices and local processing of cashew nuts.
The initiative began with a diagnosis and mapping of producers, followed by capacity-building activities for nearly fifty farmers on modern farming techniques and good agricultural practices. Twenty farmers, representing around 50 families, applied these methods in the Biombo, Cacheu, and Oio regions. These improvements included reducing the density of cashew trees and integrating additional food crops such as upland rice, peanuts, sweet potatoes, and vegetables, which lessened dependence on seasonal cashew production and provided year-round income.
The project promotes sustainability and innovation in orchards through agroforestry models and renovation of old cashew trees, which prevents disease, increases productivity, and supports low-carbon agriculture. New orchards have been planted to expand production, while strategically placed beehives enhance pollination, improve yields, protect biodiversity, and generate additional honey as a source of food and income for local communities.
FAO also focused on strengthening local processing by training fifty beneficiaries in cashew nut processing techniques and providing ten manual shelling machines to small processing units. This approach stimulates employment, particularly among young people, increases trade, and adds value to the country’s main agricultural product.
The initiative contributes directly to the Sustainable Development Goals, enhancing food security, promoting income generation, and supporting sustainable and resilient agricultural systems in Guinea-Bissau.
