Mrajis wa Vyama vya Ushirika, Dk. Benson Ndiege, has called on Tanzania's cashew nut farmers to adhere to proper harvesting and storage procedures to protect the quality of their produce and ensure they receive fair prices. He made the remarks during the launch of the Tandahimba Newala Cooperative Union (TANECU) cashew nut product store in Dodoma on September 25, 2026. According to Dk. Ndiege, cashew nuts with high moisture content can compromise the quality of the entire batch, ultimately reducing the price farmers receive.
Dk. Ndiege emphasized the importance of adhering to required standards during harvesting and storage, as cashew nuts are a food product that must meet safety and quality standards in production, storage, and marketing. He also urged relevant authorities and stakeholders to ensure effective supervision of the crop's quality. Furthermore, he stressed the need for adequate warehouse facilities and timely services for farmers ahead of the cashew nut season.
The Assistant Regional Commissioner for Rukwa, Robert Msunza, noted that currently only 5-6% of Tanzania's cashew nuts are consumed domestically. This highlights the need to increase local consumption and create a sustainable domestic market, reducing reliance on external markets. Msunza emphasized that Tanzania should continue to explore and strengthen both local and external markets, with the domestic market serving as a crucial foundation for ensuring locally produced cashew nuts find a market and add value within the country.
The Manager of TANECU, Juma Sulemani, presented a report on the project, stating that the store aims to expand the cooperative's revenue, increase the market for cashew nuts processed at their factory, and promote domestic consumption. The project is expected to cost TSH 99.58 million upon completion, with TSH 58.918 million already spent.
During the launch, stakeholders emphasized the importance of collaboration among farmers, cooperatives, companies, and warehouse managers to ensure that collected and sold cashew nuts meet quality standards. This initiative seeks to improve the cashew nut industry in Tanzania, benefiting farmers and the national economy.
The call to prioritize quality and adhere to standards comes as Tanzania seeks to boost its cashew nut sector. By focusing on quality and exploring new markets, the country aims to increase the value of its cashew nut production and create a more sustainable future for farmers.
As the cashew nut season approaches, farmers and stakeholders are working together to implement these recommendations and improve the industry's overall performance. The government and cooperatives are playing a crucial role in supporting farmers and promoting best practices in cashew nut production and marketing.
Key points
- Tanzania's cashew nut farmers must prioritize quality to secure better prices for their produce.
- Only 5-6% of Tanzania's cashew nuts are currently consumed domestically, highlighting the need to increase local consumption.
- The cashew nut industry is expected to benefit from new initiatives, including the TANECU store, which aims to promote domestic consumption and increase revenue for farmers.
