Supporting local production and processing of rice and cashew in West Africa

Context

Rising global and regional demand for cashew and rice production offers important opportunities for economic growth, training, and employment in West Africa. However, small-scale rice farming, which accounts for 90 per cent of local production, is constrained by limited resources, with many rural communities living at or below the poverty line.

The African cashew production contributes about 56 per cent of the global harvest but relies heavily on exports to Asia for further processing, limiting local economic benefits and increasing greenhouse gas emissions. Tackling these challenges requires improved local processing, inclusive economic opportunities for women and youth, and strategies to mitigate climate change.

Objective

Income and employment prospects have improved in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) region by supporting the production, processing, and trade of rice and cashew.

Approach

The project promotes multi-stakeholder partnerships in five West African countries and focuses on the following activities:

• Selecting bankable projects and providing financial support to businesses to improve rice and cashew production and processing;
• Promoting environmentally friendly farming practices that conserve resources and reduce carbon emissions;
• Increasing demand for regional products and encouraging local consumption of cashew and rice;
• Improving agribusiness training approaches and tools through online and in-person formats, with a focus on including women, and youth;
• Supporting collaboration between public and private organisations to reduce trade barriers, enhance regional cooperation, and improve policymaking.

Last update: April 2025