Mr. Ernest Mintah, the Managing Director of the African Cashew Alliance (ACA), has offered insightful reflections on the recently concluded second session of the 20th Cashew Master Training Programme (MTP) in Mtwara, Tanzania.
Underscore a pivotal shift in the regional cashew sector:
- East Africa’s Readiness for Ownership: Mr. Mintah explicitly praised the enthusiasm and commitment demonstrated by both the 58 participants from eight East African countries and the various stakeholders involved. He viewed this as a “clear sign that East Africa is ready to take full ownership of its cashew development journey.” This highlights a growing self-reliance and ambition within the region to drive its cashew industry forward.
- Addressing Climate-Related Challenges: A crucial point emphasized by Mr. Mintah is the essential nature of the knowledge shared in the MTP, particularly in light of “climate-related challenges” facing the industry. Cashew production is highly sensitive to climatic factors like unseasonal rains, heavy dew during flowering, and drought. The training’s focus on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and pest and disease management directly addresses these vulnerabilities, equipping participants with strategies to mitigate adverse climate impacts.
- Capacity Building for Broader Impact: Mr. Mintah further stressed that this capacity-building effort extends beyond the 58 direct participants. The expectation is that these “master trainers” will disseminate their acquired knowledge and skills to a wider network of farmers and institutions they represent. This “trickle-down” effect is vital for achieving widespread improvements in productivity, quality, and resilience across the East African cashew value chain.