Export Ban Threatens Millions of Cashew Farmers – NCAN President Ajanaku
NCAN President Dr Ojo Ajanaku warns that Nigerias proposed cashew export ban could push millions of farmers into poverty threaten livelihoods and cripple the industry .
The President of the National Cashew Association of Nigeria NCAN Dr Ojo Ajanaku has raised alarm over a looming threat that could devastate the cashew industry He cautioned that millions of cashew farmers across the country may face premature deaths and extreme hardship if the government goes ahead with its proposed export ban on raw cashew nuts .
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Cashew farming is a major source of livelihood for millions of households in Nigeria As one of the largest producers of cashew in Africa Nigeria has been a strong participant in the global value chain providing steady income foreign exchange and rural development opportunities However the sudden policy proposal has sparked fear and anxiety among stakeholders .
Cashew Farming in Nigeria An Economic Lifeline
Cashew cultivation is more than just an agricultural activity it is a lifeline for many rural communities Nigeria produces hundreds of thousands of metric tons every year with the majority exported to markets in Vietnam India and Europe for processing The sector employs millions directly and indirectly creating jobs in farming transportation warehousing and trade .
For decades cashew has been a reliable cash crop especially for smallholder farmers who depend on seasonal harvests to feed their families send children to school and sustain their livelihoods Any disruption to this chain experts warn could bring catastrophic consequences .
The Export Ban Proposal
The proposed export ban seeks to stop the shipment of raw cashew nuts outside Nigeria with the argument that the country should add value locally before export While this appears to be a step toward industrialization critics argue that the policy is ill timed and could backfire if implemented without adequate preparation .
Dr Ajanaku speaking on behalf of NCAN noted that local processing capacity remains weak and underdeveloped According to him Nigeria currently lacks the infrastructure technology and investment needed to absorb the huge volume of raw cashew produced annually Without ready buyers abroad millions of farmers may be left with unsold produce .
Potential Consequences of the Ban
One major consequence is massive farmer poverty With no alternative market farmers may lose their only source of income This could lead to food insecurity rising debt and widespread hardship in rural communities .
Another risk is the collapse of the industry Stakeholders warn that the ban could destabilize the entire cashew value chain from producers to exporters Warehouses may shut down traders could lose capital and foreign buyers may turn to competitors like Ghana or Cote dIvoire .
There is also the danger of foreign exchange loss Cashew exports contribute significantly to Nigerias non oil revenue Restricting exports without preparing local processing could cause a sharp drop in foreign earnings .
Dr Ajanaku also stressed the human cost His warning that millions of farmers may die prematurely underscores the gravity of the matter The stress poverty and desperation triggered by the ban could increase health risks reduce life expectancy and cause social unrest .
Call for Balanced Policy
While NCAN supports the idea of developing Nigerias local processing industry Ajanaku insists that the transition must be gradual and well planned He urged the government to create incentives for investors establish processing plants in major cashew producing states and provide farmers with access to credit and modern farming tools .
He emphasized that policies should empower rather than punish farmers You cannot cut off the only market farmers depend on overnight he stressed Instead he recommended a phased approach where raw nut exports and local processing coexist until Nigeria reaches self sufficiency in cashew processing .
Conclusion
The debate over the cashew export ban is more than an economic policy discussion it is about human survival For millions of Nigerian cashew farmers the stakes are life and death Without careful planning the export restriction could destroy livelihoods deepen rural poverty and erode the progress already made in agriculture .
The warning from NCAN President Dr Ojo Ajanaku should be a wake up call for policymakers Rather than impose sudden bans Nigeria must adopt practical strategies that protect farmers welfare while gradually building the processing capacity needed to transform the cashew sector into a true global powerhouse .