By: Haddy Touray
Over 11 cashew cooperative societies across The Gambia have welcomed efforts to formulate a national cashew policy to regulate standard prices and improve market opportunities for farmers.
The policy, currently under development, aims to guide producers in marketing their cashew nuts while ensuring fair, standardized pricing.
Speaking at the official opening of a one-day farmers’ policy dialogue held at GFF FIFA Hotel on Monday, 10th November 2025, Mr. Sherifo Bojang, President of Farmers Platform, expressed strong support for the initiative. He emphasized that cashew farmers are impressed with the proposed policy and believe it will significantly enhance their ability to market produce effectively. Mr. Bojang also commended the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), through its Forest and Farm Facility (FFF), for supporting the initiative and helping farmers advocate for a regulated price system.
The landmark event was organized by the Federation of Gambia Cashew Farmers Association (FGCFA) in collaboration with Farmers Platform, The Gambia, and was attended by government officials, including representatives from the Ministry of Trade, Regional Integration, and Employment. The FAO-FFF funded the forum to strengthen farmers’ capacity in policy advocacy and sector development.
During the event, Mr. Kanimang Camara, FAO/FFF National Facilitator, highlighted the rationale behind the initiative, noting that the policy would guide executive members of FGCFA in engaging policymakers, including National Assembly members and border control institutions. He explained that the forum would allow participants to discuss challenges in accessing market opportunities and cross-border trade for raw cashew nuts, which are currently exported unprocessed to Europe and Asia, resulting in low value addition for The Gambia.
Mr. Camara further emphasized the importance of introducing a National Cashew Policy to enhance agro-business competitiveness, promote productivity, and expand market opportunities for Gambian cashew. He thanked FGCFA members, regional cooperative delegates, and all attendees for their commitment to the policy development process.
Reiterating these points, Mr. Bojang said the forum aims to establish a comprehensive framework for the production and marketing of cashew, including price control measures that will benefit both farmers and vendors. He called on participants to remain committed so that the draft policy can be finalized and enacted by policymakers.
Also addressing the forum, Mr. Ousman Badjie, Director of Trade at the Ministry of Trade, Regional Integration, and Employment, commended FAO-FFF for supporting the initiative. He acknowledged the challenges facing the cashew sector and affirmed the ministry’s commitment to supporting the development and implementation of a robust national cashew policy.
The dialogue marks a significant step toward strengthening The Gambia’s cashew industry, promoting fair trade practices, and ensuring the competitiveness of Gambian cashew in local and international markets.
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By: Haddy Touray Over 11 cashew cooperative societies across The Gambia have welcomed efforts to formulate a national cashew policy…
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