Cashewnut Initiative
Our flagship program providing quality seedlings, training, and guaranteed market access for sustainable cashew farming.
Transforming Lives Through Cashew Farming
The cashewnut industry represents one of Africa’s most significant opportunities for rural economic development. With global demand steadily rising and premium markets paying top dollar for quality nuts, smallholder farmers have an unprecedented opportunity—if they have access to the right resources.
Stawi’s Cashewnut Initiative bridges this gap, providing everything farmers need to succeed in cashew cultivation.
Program Components
1. Premium Seedling Distribution
We partner with certified nurseries to provide farmers with high-yielding, disease-resistant cashew varieties suited to local conditions.
What we provide:
- Grafted seedlings from proven mother trees
- Varieties optimized for local climate conditions
- Minimum 50 seedlings per farmer (expandable based on land)
- 85%+ survival rate guarantee with proper care
2. Comprehensive Training
Our field officers conduct regular training sessions covering:
- Land Preparation: Optimal spacing, soil preparation, and planting techniques
- Tree Care: Pruning, nutrition management, and pest control
- Harvest Optimization: Timing, collection methods, and post-harvest handling
- Financial Literacy: Record-keeping, savings, and reinvestment strategies
3. Ongoing Field Support
Farmers aren’t left alone after planting:
- Monthly field visits during the first two years
- Quarterly visits for mature trees
- 24/7 phone support for urgent issues
- Peer learning groups and farmer cooperatives
4. Guaranteed Purchase Agreement
The Stawi Promise: We buy every kilogram of cashewnuts produced by our farmers at fair, transparent prices.
- Prices announced before each harvest season
- Premium payments for Grade A quality
- Payment within 48 hours of verified delivery
- No middlemen—direct farm-to-processor relationship
From Farm to Global Markets
Processing Excellence
Our state-of-the-art processing facility transforms raw cashewnuts into premium products:
- Shelling & Grading: Mechanical and hand-sorted for quality
- Roasting & Flavoring: Multiple product lines including raw, roasted, and flavored
- Quality Control: International food safety certifications
- Packaging: Export-ready packaging for global markets
Market Access
Stawi connects Tanzanian cashewnuts to premium markets worldwide:
- Direct relationships with importers in Europe, Asia, and North America
- Organic and Fair Trade certification programs
- Premium pricing for specialty and single-origin products
- Growing domestic market presence
Impact Numbers
| Metric | Achievement |
|---|---|
| Farmers Enrolled | 3,500+ |
| Seedlings Distributed | 500,000+ |
| Hectares Under Cultivation | 2,500+ |
| Annual Production (Tonnes) | 800+ |
| Average Income Increase | 250% |
Success Story: Mama Fatuma
“Before Stawi, I earned just enough to survive. Now, with 200 cashew trees producing each year, I’ve built a new house, sent two children to secondary school, and started a small shop. Stawi didn’t just give me trees—they gave me a future.”
— Fatuma Hassan, Lindi Region, Tanzania
Join the Program
Are you a farmer interested in joining our Cashewnut Initiative? Here’s how:
- Register with your local Stawi field office
- Assessment of your land and capacity
- Training in cashew cultivation basics
- Receive Seedlings and ongoing support
- Harvest & Sell directly to Stawi