Cashew Nut Farming In Kenya

Cashew nut farming is primarily practiced in Kenya’s Coastal region, specifically in Kilifi, Kwale, Tana River, Lamu, and parts of Taita Taveta. The cashew nut industry has a significant role in providing income for many farmers in the region, with cashew nuts being an important agricultural export.

Varieties of Cashew Nut Grown in Kenya:

A75/83
A100
A81
A82

Ecological Conditions for Growing Cashew Nuts:

Soil: Deep and well-drained sandy loam soils with a pH range of 4.5–6.5.
Altitude: Best grown at an altitude of up to 1000 meters above sea level.
Temperature: Between 24°C and 28°C.
Rainfall: Annual rainfall of 500mm to 1200mm.

Propagation of Cashew Nuts:

Propagation by Seeds: The most common method. Plant three seeds per hole, and after 2 months, remove weak seedlings.
Propagation by Grafting: Select the best seeds for grafting, perform a floatation test, and then transplant into pre-germination beds before grafting. Grafting is done 3-4 weeks after transplanting.

Planting Process:

Land Preparation: Thoroughly plough the land, prepare planting holes 1-2 months before planting.
Spacing: The ideal spacing is 12m by 12m with a depth of 60cm by 60cm.
Soil Fertilization: Mix topsoil with 100g of DAP and 2 buckets of well-decomposed manure before planting.
Intercropping: You can intercrop cashew with other crops like vegetables.
Watering: Regular watering 3-4 days a week until the plants grow to a desirable level.

Farm Practices:

Removal of Suckers: Remove shoots from rootstocks that compete for nutrients.
Formative Pruning: Ensure upright growth within the first five years, reaching a height of 1.0 to 1.5 meters.
Shading: Provide shade during drought conditions to protect the plants.

Pests and Diseases:

Pests: Common pests include mealybugs, weevils, caterpillars, leaf miners, cashew nut bugs, stem borers, and thrips. Control using recommended insecticides.
Diseases: Common diseases include Anthracnose, Powdery mildew, and Dieback, controlled using copper-based fungicides and others.

Harvesting:

Time: Grafted varieties start bearing fruit after 2 years, while seed-grown varieties take 3-4 years to bear fruit.
Yield: A hectare can produce over 2,000 kgs of unshelled nuts, and a single tree yields between 10-100 kgs of unshelled nuts.

Market for Cashew Nuts in Kenya:

Cashew nuts from Kenya are used both locally and for export. The local market is dominated by processing companies that manufacture various products, including cashew nut oil.

Key Cashew Nut Exporters: