Smallholder cashew production and household livelihoods in the transition zone of Ghana

Abstract

Although the adoption of cash crops among smallholder farmers is meant to increase the commercialisation and profitability of agriculture, it is still unclear if cashew farmers are better off or worst off from cashew farming in Sub-Saharan Africa. The study investigated the overall effects of cashew production on household livelihoods among smallholder farmers in the Transitional Zone of Ghana. The study employed a mixed research methods design for data collection and analysis. These methods included focus group discussions (FGDs), key informant interviews (KIIs), and a survey of 239 cashew-farming households. The results revealed both positive and negative outcomes for farmers and their households. First, the positive outcomes included increased income, enhanced social status, improved food and nutrition, housing and education. Second, the negative outcomes included increased theft, high cost of goods and services, high cost of living, and a rise in physical health problems among farmers. The study concludes that, overall, cashew farmers and their households experienced improved livelihoods despite the negative effects arising from cashew farming. To maximise the livelihood outcomes of smallholder cashew farmers, we underscore the importance of a multi-stakeholder approach to development planning that promotes innovations in training, extension support, and sound financial and business management.