Cashew production : a conduit to attaining sustainable development goal one in rural farming communities of Ghana

Abstract

This paper examined cashew cultivation as a conduit for poverty reductionamong rural agricultural-dependent folks in Ghana. Using a qualitative case study design, in-depth interviews aided data collection from 78 study participants—farmers (45), farmhands (30), an official of Jaman North District Assembly and agricultural extension officers from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) in the district (2). Thematic analytical framework aided the data analysis based on an a posteriori inductive approach. Two themes and six subthemes were uncovered, namely, 1) prospects for sustainable development: (a) bordering economic growth and poverty alleviation and (b) community empowerment and education; and 2) barriers to sustainable development (a) bordering land tenure issues and subsistence management, (b) limited access to resources and extension services, (c) child labour and educational challenges, and inconsistent and unfavourable pricing. The study unravels intricate dynamics, offering valuable insight into cashews’ prospects for sustainable development amid challenges. Enhancing land tenure security, access to resources and extension services, combating child labour in the cashew value chain, and establishing a cashew board to protect farmers’ interest are recommended. Overall, strategic investments are required to maximise the sector’s benefits, towards a more resilient and inclusive agricultural economy for rural poverty reduction.