Cashew is an important economic tree crop that produces both apples and nuts. It thrives in areas with annual rainfall between 900–1,400 mm and distinct wet and dry seasons.
In Ghana, cashew is cultivated in 14 out of the 16 regions, highlighting its economic significance. The cashew industry has seen remarkable growth in recent years, with increasing global demand for raw nuts leading to ready markets and better farm-gate prices.
The use of pesticides has helped cashew farmers significantly increase yields by controlling insects (insecticides), weeds (herbicides), plant diseases (fungicides), and other pests. However, the misuse and misapplication of these chemicals have posed serious threats to pollinators like bees—essential agents for pollination and biodiversity.
Over the past six years, interest in cashew cultivation in Ghana has grown due to its benefits for farm families and its flourishing export market. About 88% of production is carried out by smallholder farmers, often using family or hired labor, especially during harvest. Cashews are harvested during the lean season for major staples like maize, yam, plantain, and millet—making the crop crucial for food security.
Pollination plays a fundamental role in ecosystems, directly supporting food security and biodiversity. In cashew farming, pollinators are vital for productivity. Therefore, it’s essential that the use of chemical crop protection is compatible with pollinator health.
Concerns have emerged over declining bee populations in cashew orchards, particularly in the Bono East Region, which is affecting productivity. In response, the Department of Local Government and Rural Development has distributed over 200 beehives to cashew farmers in the region to support biodiversity.
Evidence suggests that pesticide use and pollinator health can coexist when chemicals are applied responsibly and according to best practices.
To address these concerns, CropLife Ghana, in collaboration with CropLife Africa Middle East and the Wenchi Directorate of Food and Agriculture, organized a stakeholders’ workshop in Wenchi. The aim was to educate actors in the cashew value chain on the safe and responsible use of pesticides to safeguard pollinator health and biodiversity in the Bono East Region.
Participants included representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), cashew farmers, beekeepers, local government officials, spray service providers, and the media.
