Abstract:
Cashew (Anacardium Occidentale L.), a multipurpose crop, is tropical tree native to
South America. Cashew is an important crop for nutrition and income generation.
It is among the important export crops in Tanzania, others being tobacco, coffee and
cotton. Farmers are advised to add value to their crops/crop produces before they take
them the market. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Ruangwa district during the
2020-2021 whereby five wards were selected and in each wads two villages were selected
to assess small-scale cashew nut processors’ capability. Specifically, the study aimed at
assessing small-scale cashew nut processors’ processing practices, determine factors
promoting small-scale processors’ use of recommended processing practices, and identify
challenges facing small-scale cashew nut processors. A sample size of 180 respondents
was used. A structured questionnaire which was written in English and then translated
into Kiswahili, was developed and used to collect the data. It was pre-tested with 20
small-scale cashew nuts processors in Ruangwa District in February 2021. Other methods
of data collection included Focus Group Discussions, Key Informant Interviews and
documentary review.
Quantitative data were analyzed using the IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences
(SPSS) version 20 software, while qualitative data were analyzed by using descriptive
statistics and content analysis respectively. In addition, Binary logistic regression was
used to determine factors promoting small-scale processors’ use of recommended
processing practices. It was found that more than half (64.5%) of small-scale cashew nut
processors have low capability in cashew nut processing. Education level, average
income, age group and yield were factors promoting small-scale cashew nut processors to
use recommended processing practices. Challenges facing small-scale cashew nut
processor included use of inefficient local processing tools, less availability of appropriateiii
equipment and machine for processing, lack of money to acquire new technology, and
lack of investment and working capital. Other challenges were the availability of raw
materials, lack of market information on kernel, lack of reliable training facilities, and
lack of government initiative support on cashew nut processing.
The study recommends that more efforts are needed to provide training and guidance to
small-scale cashew nut processors and cashew farmers from production, management and
processing and building market centres for selling kernels. It is also suggested that
Financial Institutions should conform to the provision of credit to the demand and
situation of small-scale cashew nut processors in the rural context.
