Assessment of the Quality of Raw Cashew Nuts Stored in Bobo-Dioulasso City, Burkina Faso

Abstract

Since 2024, Burkina Faso has received repeated notifications concerning insect pests detected in international consignments of raw cashew nuts, highlighting the need for effective post-harvest management. This study assessed the quality-related storage conditions of raw cashew nuts in Bobo-Dioulasso. A socioeconomic survey involved 79 stakeholders in the cashew sector, and storage conditions were evaluated through inspections of 36 warehouses. Insect sampling and laboratory identification were conducted to characterise pests associated with stored nuts. Among exporters, 83.33% applied drying and manual sorting before storage, while 11.11% used fumigation and 47.22% used recycled bags. Warehouse inspections showed that 92% of bags were stacked without adequate spacing, 78% were stored directly on the floor, and 69% of warehouses had inadequate ventilation. Nine insect pest species were identified: Ephestia cautella, Carpophilus mutilatus, Lasioderma serricorne, Tribolium castaneum, Oryzaephilus mercator, Sitophilus zeamais, Ahasverus advena, and Cryptolestes ferrugineus, as well as Drasterius sp. Ephestia cautella was the most abundant species in several warehouses. Overall, the findings indicate weaknesses in storage practices and warehouse conditions that may compromise the quality of raw cashew nuts. Improved warehouse hygiene, ventilation, bag management, spacing, and use of pallets are therefore important for maintaining stored nut quality.