What is the history of cashew processing in Tanzania?
Cashew processing in Tanzania began in the 1960s, Raw nuts, cashew kernels, as well as cashew nut shell liquid are the three main cashew products traded on the international market, while the fourth product, cashew apple, is generally processed and consumed locally.
Why are cashew nuts important to Tanzania’s economy?
Cashew nuts are also important to the Tanzanian economy, accounting for 18% of the country’s merchandise total exports in 1999. Agriculture’s economic viability stems from the fact that it helps generate a significant amount of foreign exchange for the country and contributes greatly to GDP.
How can the cashew industry alleviate socio-economic problems in Tanzania?
When fully developed and industrially exploited, the cashew industry can alleviate many of the socio-economic problems by providing employment to the many unemployed people in Tanzania. A cashew cottage industry, for example, can easily accommodate idle manpower in rural areas because many cashew products require only the workers’ normal skills.