Cashew Production as Livelihood Improvement to Small-holder Producers in North Bank Region of the Gambia

Abstract

The research work focuses on cashew production in Lower Niumi of North Bank Region. Gambia’s economy is predominantly supported by agriculture, and cashew as a cash crop has recorded an increasing amount of production in metric tons per annum. Cashew provides income for many farmers in the rural communities especially where this survey was conducted. The main objective of the research was to determine the prospect of cashew production, processing and marketing and identify problems faced by the producers. The research was conducted in Amdallai, Fast Njaga Njoi and Kerr Jatta. Thirty (30) cashew farmers were randomly selected and interviewed.The result shows that, twenty-three (23) male cashew farmers have attained education while seven female have attained level of primary school education. Furthermore, result showed that, 78% of male farmers are engaged in cashew production for consumption and income generation while 33% of female producers produce cashew for income respectively. In conclusion, cashew production has great economic potentials for vibrant income generating activity and social protection. It is recommended that farmers undergo production and related business management training programs on the best adaptive agronomic practices.