400-acre cashew farm boosts Kibiti’s cashew industry
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Jamhuri Media
A 400-acre cashew farm in Ugezi, Kibiti district, Tanzania, is expected to support youth employment and increase local production, according to district executive director Ramadhan Ali Kimara. Established three years ago, it also plans to develop cashew nut processing into wine to increase their value.
A 400-acre cashew farm, equivalent to about 162 hectares, is expected to support cashew nut production and youth employment in Ugezi ward, Kibiti, in the Pwani region. Ramadhan Ali Kimara, executive director of the Kibiti district council, called on local authorities and relevant stakeholders to leverage the investment to develop the local economy, according to Jamhuri Media.
The farm manager, Gilbert Masawe, said the plantation was established three years ago and that its production remained below its potential as the cashew trees continued to grow. He expects yields to increase as the trees mature.
The farm already produces small quantities of wine from cashew fruits for workers. Gilbert Masawe said an expansion of this production is being considered to increase added value in the industry and diversify economic outlets.
