Guinea-Bissau adds more value to its cashew crop at home

In March 2026, the FAO detailed work to strengthen Guinea-Bissau’s cashew value chain through better farming, local processing and diversified sources of income. Fifty people received processing training and owners of small units were allocated ten manual shelling machines.

The Food and Agriculture Organization works with local producer groups and processors in Biombo, Cacheu and Oio. The people operating the small processing units are the practical makers of the change.

Cashew nuts are one of Guinea-Bissau’s major exports. Processing them locally, rather than shipping the raw crop alone, creates opportunities for food products, packaging, manufacturing skills and additional value near production.

The programme also uses honey production and diversified crops to broaden the range of goods producers can bring to market.