TARI sees cashew potential in Zanzibar
The Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI) is encouraging farmers in Zanzibar to cultivate cashews, citing favorable soil and climate conditions. Researchers emphasize that value-added processing could significantly boost local household incomes.
Why it matters
Diversifying agricultural output in Zanzibar could improve economic stability and job creation for local farmers.
ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR farmers have been encouraged to venture into cashew farming after researchers found that the crop has strong potential to increase household incomes, create jobs and support economic growth in Unguja and Pemba.
A researcher from the Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI), Ms Stella Andrea Masawe, said studies conducted by the institute show that several areas in Unguja and Pemba have suitable soil and climatic conditions for cashew cultivation if farmers adopt appropriate technologies and follow expert advice.
She said the crop remains one of the country’s strategic cash crops due to its high value in both domestic and international markets.
Speaking to journalists at the just ended 10th Nane Nane International Agricultural Exhibition underway at Kizimbani in Dole, Zanzibar, Ms Masawe said many people still believe cashew is mainly a mainland crop, yet research indicates that Zanzibar also has favourable conditions for production.
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