Article in Press
This article is currently in the Just Accepted phase. The final published version may have formatting changes or additional corrections.
Abstract
This study analyzes the socioeconomic contribution of cashew nut (Anacardiumoccidentale L.) production and marketing, along with its by-products, in the villages of Mpolohio, Namiraco II, and Mecupa Centro, Cuamba District, Niassa Province, Mozambique. The research employed mixed methods (quantitative and qualitative), including structured surveys administered to 78 producers, semi-structured interviews with community leaders, extension workers, and technicians from the Mozambican Almond Institute (IAM), as well as document analysis. Results indicate that 74% of producers depend on cashew as their main source of income, with an average annual income of 49,200 MZN (±15,320). Only 16% market by-products (kernels and oil), although these have the potential to increase household income by up to 250%. The main challenges include a lack of local processing units (85%), unstable prices (81%), and limited access to formal markets (72%). It is recommended to invest in local processing, technical capacity building, and organizational strengthening to maximize the benefits of cashew in sustainable rural development.
