Cashew

What is happening?

Improving working conditions and terms of employment in the cashew sector

Harvesting and processing cashew nuts is labour-intensive. First of all, after harvesting, the nuts are roasted in their shells at the factory. This makes it easier to remove the shell. The husk is also removed. This contains a toxic substance that can cause severe skin irritation.

This work therefore requires good protective gloves and equipment, as well as safety measures. In practice, these are often lacking. This is partly because, in many countries, there is hardly any monitoring due to a poorly functioning labour inspectorate.

Key players in the West African cashew supply chain

This industry has given rise to a supply chain linking Africa, Asia and Europe. The key players are independent farmers or cooperatives, buyers, processors and exporters.

Only a small proportion of cashew nuts are processed in Africa itself. Most cashew nuts are shipped to the other side of the world. In countries such as Vietnam and India, cashew nuts are processed into edible nuts in a few steps.

Cashew nuts are mainly harvested informally by small-scale producers. In countries such as Benin and Côte d’Ivoire, the government sets the prices for cashew nuts. However, supply is lower than the combined demand from foreign and local companies. This creates tension between external and internal demand.

Challenges in cashew production and working conditions

The cashew sector faces a range of socio-economic challenges:

1. Value addition through local processing
2. Health and safety in the workplace
3. Decent working conditions
4. Employment for young people and women
5. Environmental and social sustainability
6. The informal nature of the work
7. Involvement of the rural community

These challenges make strengthening cooperation between stakeholders crucial for the sector’s development. Against this backdrop, CNV Internationaal commissioned a study into the cashew sector in Côte d’Ivoire to provide greater insight into these dynamics.

Our approach

Our impact

CNV Internationaal is working to improve conditions for workers in the cashew sector through a supply chain approach. In West Africa, we are collaborating with partners in Benin and Côte d’Ivoire.

Towards a fairer and more inclusive cashew supply chain in Côte d’Ivoire

Whilst the cashew sector in West Africa has great potential, it also faces major challenges. The efforts of organisations such as CNV Internationaal are vital to ensuring a fair, sustainable and inclusive supply chain that benefits all workers, particularly the most vulnerable.

The cashew sector in Benin

In Benin, cashew nuts and karité (shea butter), together with cotton, are important agricultural products. In Benin alone, an estimated 800,000 people work in the sector.

Cashew harvesting is mainly informal work carried out by small-scale producers. The government sets the price of cashew nuts and shea.

Foreign companies and investors often buy up the bulk of the harvest, leaving insufficient quantities for local businesses.

Benin therefore intends to increase the processing of cashew nuts within the country in the coming years.

Opportunities and challenges for workers

In Benin, CNV Internationaal works in partnership with the trade union COSI-Benin.

To begin with, the trade union campaigned for better safety equipment and improved working conditions. Training sessions have also been organised on trade union work, such as standing up for workers’ rights and, in particular, the right to collective bargaining. These are internationally recognised rights enshrined in conventions of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) (Conventions 87 and 98).

COSI Benin’s efforts also focus on ensuring access to universal health insurance and on combating violence and sexual harassment in the workplace.

In recent years, our partner trade union COSI Benin has successfully initiated social dialogue with companies such as FLUDOR S.A., aimed at improving the working conditions of thousands of cashew and shea workers.

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