The Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has initiated a project named the Maximizing Gains from Cashew Production for Youth Development Project (MA-Cash) to enhance the processing of cashew fruits.
MA-Cash aims to advance research on efficient methods of processing cashew by-products and enhancing their consumer acceptability.
This 18-month project will focus on the Bono and Bono East regions of Ghana.
CSIR will collaborate with various stakeholders and partners to execute the project.
These stakeholders and partners comprise six farmer groups, the Institute of Industrial Research, and Opportunity International Savings and Loans Limited.
The CSIR launched the MA-Cash project during an Inception Workshop held at its head office in Accra.
According to a report from the Bono Regional Ministry, approximately 900,000 metric tons of cashew fruits are wasted annually.
The regional ministry attributes this wastage to factors such as the lack of processing materials, fragmented value chains, price fluctuations, and poor farm management practices.
Professor Charles Tortoe, Director of CSIR, expressed that the implementation of the project would escalate cashew processing activities in Ghana.
He highlighted that MA-Cash would mitigate post-harvest losses of cashew fruits and enhance their processing into various products, including juices, concentrates, and beverages.
“It may interest you to know that CSIR and the Food Research Institute’s (FRI) efforts to apply research findings to problems pertaining to cashew fruit waste, poverty alleviation, and youth-led sustainable economic growth have led to the development of the MA-Cash project.
We expect the project to reduce waste, enhance the quality of processed cashew fruits and by-products, and improve cashew yields through agrobiodiversity. We expect the project to increase income for youth groups who are successfully running their cashew businesses,” he said.
Dr. Emmanuel Kyereh, a food scientist at the Food Research Institute (FRI), highlighted that the MA-Cash project extends beyond the mere processing of cashew fruits. It encompasses various facets, particularly youth support programs.
He emphasized that the project would significantly contribute to enhancing the economic potential of cashew fruits. This is crucial as the economic benefits of cashew nuts have already been maximized and realized.
Mr. Francis Owusu Ansah, Chief Business Officer for Opportunity International Savings and Loans, underscored the vital role financial institutions play in implementing the project.
He outlined the financial institution’s responsibility, which involves addressing the financial aspect of the project by providing necessary support to businesses operating within the cashew fruit value chain.