The Cashew Nut Farming course provides farmers, extension officers, and agripreneurs with practical knowledge and scientific guidance on establishing and managing productive cashew nut enterprises in Kenya. Developed by the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), this course is designed to promote the revival and modernization of Kenya’s cashew industry, particularly in the coastal regions where the crop has high economic and ecological potential.
The course covers all key aspects of cashew nut production — from site selection and orchard establishment to harvesting, processing, and marketing. It emphasizes climate-smart agricultural practices, pest and disease management, and value addition to ensure sustainable production and improved farmer incomes.
Through engaging video lessons and field demonstrations, learners will gain the skills to:
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Select high-yielding and disease-tolerant cashew varieties suited to local conditions.
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Prepare land and establish orchards with proper spacing, planting, and grafting techniques.
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Manage soil fertility, irrigation, and weed control for healthy tree growth.
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Identify and control major pests and diseases such as cashew nut borer, powdery mildew, and tea mosquito bug.
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Harvest, dry, and store nuts to maintain kernel quality and prevent contamination.
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Explore opportunities in value addition such as cashew nut processing, shell oil extraction, and cashew apple utilization.
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Access local and export markets through improved post-harvest handling and collective marketing.
By the end of this course, participants will be equipped to apply modern, sustainable, and market-driven cashew farming practices, enhancing productivity, quality, and profitability. The course supports KALRO’s broader goal of revitalizing cash crops for improved livelihoods and regional economic growth.
