Nigeria's New Cashew Roadmap: What It Means for Ogbomoso Farmers

Cashew has long been one of Ogbomoso's most valuable crops. Now a new national plan could help local farmers earn more from it. In July 2026, the Federal Government validated the Nigeria Cashew Industry Roadmap, which aims to increase local processing, attract investment and reduce the export of raw cashew nuts.

Why Ogbomoso is a cashew hub

Farm operators in the area have long said that Ogbomoso has some of the best soil and climate for cashew in Nigeria. Large and small plantations are found across Ogbomoso North, Ogbomoso South, Surulere, Ogo-Oluwa and Oriire, and the season brings buyers from across the country.

The problem: raw exports

National figures show that around 85% of Nigeria's cashew output leaves the country unprocessed. That means most of the value, from shelling and roasting to packaging, is created abroad. Farmers sell raw nuts at prices set by middlemen, and few jobs are created locally.

What the roadmap could change

• More processing plants close to farms, creating jobs in shelling, grading and packaging.

• Better prices for farmers if local processors compete for supply.

• New products such as roasted kernels, cashew juice and cashew nut shell liquid for industry.

• Access to finance and training for farmer cooperatives.

What Ogbomoso farmers can do now

1. Join or form a registered cooperative to access government and donor programmes.

2. Improve post-harvest handling: dry nuts properly and store them in clean, aerated bags.

3. Keep records of farm size and yield, which lenders and buyers increasingly ask for.

4. Explore small-scale processing, especially for the local snack market.

Are you a cashew farmer or processor in Ogbomoso? Inside Ogbomoso would like to hear your story.

Sources: Federal Ministry of Information; BusinessDay; Agrifocus Africa (August 2026); The Guardian.