The Ghana Private Sector Competitiveness Program II (GPSCP II) sponsors 17 Private Sector Cashew Processing Managers at the Africa Cashew Alliance’s (ACA) Masters Training Program (MTP).

The Ghana Private Sector Competitiveness Programme II (GPSCP II), implemented jointly by NIRAS International Consulting and Proforest and funded by the SECO Economic Cooperation and Development, recently supported 17 cashew processing managers at the Africa Cashew Alliance’s (ACA) Masters Training Programme (MTP). This initiative is part of the Programme’s Development Partnership with the Private Sector (DPP) mechanism, aimed at enhancing the capabilities of local private sector actors in the cashew industry, particularly those involved in processing. The training, which spanned three sessions, took place from May to August 2024 in Accra and Sunyani, Ghana, as well as in Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire. 📖

The MTP included both classroom instruction and field visits, providing a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange. The curriculum covered various aspects of the cashew market organisation, the role of Master Trainers, the development of planting materials, best agricultural practices and the organisation of the cashew processing sector, along with cross-cutting issues such as GESI and environmental climate change. Participants also had the opportunity to visit the Wenchi Agricultural Research Station, where they engaged in practical experiences that complemented the theoretical discussions held during the training sessions. 💡

A concerted effort was made to engage female processors in the MTP, resulting in 10 out of the 17 participants being women. Increasing female participation in the cashew value chain – particularly at managerial levels – is a key objective for GPSCPII and is aligned to SDG 5.5, which promotes women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership in all decision-making processes across political, economic and public spheres. 👩🏾‍🏫

Evelyn Ahiagbebu, Supervisor at Agroking Cashew Processing Limited, said: “This training has taught me that every component of the cashew fruit can be utilised. Additionally, from the gender session, I discovered that women have greater prospects in secondary processing since it requires less capital than primary processing.”

As for Joseph Kwasi Sie, Lead Supervisor at Kabile Co-operative Cashew Farmers and Processors Society Limited, he said: “I was initially unfamiliar with the process of cashew apple processing, but this training has provided me with essential skills that I can now apply at Kabile Co-operative.”

This collaborative initiative is one of the many efforts that GPSCPII is undertaking to foster a supportive environment for the cashew value chain, ultimately aiming to boost productivity and competitiveness in the sector. ✅

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