Assessing diversification in cashew orchards in northern Côte d’Ivoire to recommend options for sustainable cashew cropping

Abstract

Cashew cultivation is a key driver of improved livelihoods for smallholder farmers in northern Côte d'Ivoire. However, the current monoculture cropping system driving the rapid expansion of cashew orchards poses a threat to natural and semi-natural ecosystems, raising concerns about the environmental sustainability of the sector. To prevent ecosystem degradation, soil depletion, and the adverse effects of climate change and variability, it is crucial to develop resilient cropping systems that ensure the long-term sustainability of the cashew supply chain. Crop diversification has the potential to mitigate climate risks, address the impacts of climate change, and sustain cashew nut production. As such, it offers a viable alternative to the environmental challenges posed by monoculture cashew cultivation. This study aimed to develop evidence-based diversification strategies to build resilient and productive cashew orchards in the main production zones of northern Côte d’Ivoire. The findings revealed that cashew plantation ownership is predominantly male, with men accounting for 90.3% of the sector. The age of their plantations ranged from 6.2 to 21.7 years. Cashew plantations were occasionally intercropped with 12 annual crops, primarily maize (Zea mays), groundnuts (Arachis hypogaea), and yams (Dioscorea alata). Additionally, most farmers retained trees such as Vitellaria paradoxa (Shea, 51.9%), Parkia biglobosa (Néré, 45.7%), and Mangifera indica (Mango, 34.1%) in their orchards due to their socio-ecological benefits, including income generation, food and nutrition security, and medicinal use. Combining farmer interviews with field studies, the research identified 40 plant species integrated or tolerated in cashew orchards, including nine species preferred by farmers. Among these, V. paradoxa and P. biglobosa were the most prevalent. This study highlights key pathways for diversifying cashew cropping systems, including: (i) designing, testing, and promoting mixed cashew/food crop systems (e.g., yam and maize) using good agricultural practices; (ii) developing parkland-based cashew agroforestry systems with V. paradoxa, P. biglobosa, and M. indica as intercrops; and (iii) creating an enabling environment to facilitate the agroecological transition within the cashew sector.