Nigeria has a rich history in cashew production that dates back to the 16th century. Today, it stands as a significant contributor to the global cashew market, playing a vital role in the country’s economy. The central and southern regions, particularly states like Kogi, Kwara,, and Oyo, provide the ideal climate and soil conditions for cultivating high-quality cashew nuts, which are in high demand internationally.
To gain deeper insights into Nigeria’s cashew industry, Tobiloba Olagbende, an Agro Entrepreneur in Ogbomoso, shared knowledge and insights on the cashew farming in Ogbomoso, renowned for producing some of the best quality cashew nuts in the country. Olagbende’s foray into the cashew nut business began with sourcing raw cashew nuts for a Chinese firm on a commission basis. “Meeting Chinese nationals involved in cashew procurement made me realize the potential of this sector,” he explained. “I decided to build a warehouse for cashew processing, which facilitated better market access and allowed me to earn commissions on the goods processed.