Cashew Watch Ghana revolutionizes cashew sub-sector in Bono Region
Cashew Watch Ghana is making significant strides in transforming the cashew sub-sector in the Bono Region. As a partner under the STAR-Ghana Foundation's Action for Voice, Influence, and Inclusive Development (AVID) project, Cashew Watch Ghana aims to enhance the capacity of cashew farmers for policy advocacy, enabling them to influence policy and promote transparency and accountability within the cashew value chain.
The team from STAR-Ghana Foundation interacting with some cashew farmers, and stakeholders at Nsawkaw,
Key initiatives
Established in January 2019 by the Global Media Foundation, Cashew Watch Ghana is a coalition of cashew farmers, media practitioners, and NGOs.
The goals include strengthening the capacity of the cashew farmers network in policy advocacy, promote transparency and accountability in the cashew value chain, mobilize and empower civil society, especially cashew farmers, and to influence government decisions and policy initiatives.
Their project areas include Tain, Jaman North and Jaman South districts, all in the Bono region.
Impact
Eric Nyamekye, a cashew farmer and processor for 39 years, reported improved farming practices and yields, which have led to better pricing and an improved standard of living.
Eric Nyamekye
Grace Kruwa, another cashew farmer testified that the training provided by Cashew Watch Ghana resulted in higher yields, enabling her to build a four-bedroom house and start a shop.
Grace Kruwa
Partnerships and support
STAR-Ghana Foundation provides crucial support to Cashew Watch Ghana, enabling the continuation of their impactful work in the region.
Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA):
Founded by an Act of Parliament in 2019, TCDA focuses on the development of six priority crops: cashew, oil palm, shea, rubber, coconut, and mango.
It has established an office in the Tain district to enhance the purchase of cashew nuts at fair prices and bring officers closer to farmers and stakeholders.