Tanzania is one of Africa’s largest cashew producers, ranking as the fourth-largest in the continent and eighth globally (Repoa, 2023). The country accounts for 20% of Africa’s cashew nut production, trailing behind Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, and Guinea-Bissau according to FAO figures. Within Eastern Africa, Tanzania dominates the cashew market, contributing 75% of the region’s total output.
However, despite its significant role in global cashew production, Tanzania processes only 12.7% of its cashew nuts locally. The majority—87.3%—are exported in raw form to countries like Vietnam and India, where they are processed before being sold to consumer markets in Europe and America. This limited local processing hampers the potential economic benefits that could be realized within Tanzania itself.
The cashew farming and processing are vital to the local economy, especially southern regions of Tanzania, with women playing a central role in every stage of production. From planting and harvesting to processing, women are the backbone of this industry. Despite their essential contributions, many women face exclusion from decision-making processes and encounter numerous challenges in their work.
Women empowered to work in cashew production in Tanzania.
Recognizing the need to develop a deeper understand about these challenges, Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Tanzania partnered with Dutch companies John Cashew and Mama Cashew to conduct a study in Mtwara, specifically focusing on the experiences of women working in the cashew industry. The study targeted Ziwa village’s Mama Cashew Factory, where both farm and factory workers were interviewed.
The survey gathered insights from 166 participants, revealing that women make up approximately 90% of the farm workforce and 80% of the factory workforce. Many of these women are single mothers and the primary breadwinners for their families. Despite their hard work, they face several challenging obstacles, including:
- Low wages and poor working conditions
- Limited access to resources and training
- Confined roles in low-skilled, labor-intensive jobs due to traditional gender norms
- Lack of control over family finances
- Barriers to land ownership and access to credit
- Illiteracy, which hampers their ability to make informed decisions and improve their economic situation
These challenges reflect deeply entrenched gender roles that see men as the primary earners, while women are left in marginalized positions.
Tanzanian women participate in a survey conducted by Global Peace Foundation.
The survey highlights the urgent need to empower women through initiatives such as financial literacy programs, educational opportunities, and improved land rights. Addressing these issues is crucial not only for social justice, but also for the long-term success of Tanzania’s cashew industry.
GPF Tanzania and its partners will use these insights to design ways to engage and empower these groups so that they can enjoy the fruits of their labor. This, in turn, will drive sustainable growth, creating a more equitable and prosperous cashew industry for all involved.
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