Kwara Joins Stakeholders at Roundtable Dialogue to Strengthen Cashew Value Chain







The Kwara State Government is set to reposition cashew as a fully utilized economic asset by driving value addition and industrial growth. This was the thrust of the message delivered by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Afees Abolore Alabi, at the high-level roundtable on “Cashew as a Global Commodity: Opportunities for Nigeria” held in Abuja, Thursday.


Representing the State at the forum, Dr. Abolore said Kwara, under the leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, is prioritizing competitive agricultural value chains, with cashew standing out as a strategic crop cultivated across all 16 local government areas. He said thousands of households, particularly women and youth, depend on cashew farming, yet much of its economic capacity is yet to be harnessed.


He noted that the real opportunity lies in full fruit utilization. Beyond the nut, the cashew apple also offers opportunities for juice, feed, and ethanol production. These offer clear prospects for rural industries.


The Commissioner made a compelling case for partnerships with researchers, private sector actors, and development institutions to drive investment in processing, clean energy, and youth-led agribusinesses. He emphasized Kwara’s openness to collaborations that can help build a resilient cashew ecosystem fueled by innovation and enterprise.


A major highlight of the event was the official unveiling of Nigeria’s Cashew Research Strategy Book by Executive Director, Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, Dr. Patrick Adebola. The document sets a national roadmap for research-driven growth and commercialization of the cashew value chain. It will serve as a tool to align research priorities with market needs and investment opportunities.


Dr. Abolore commended the Market-Oriented Value Chains for Jobs and Growth in the ECOWAS Region (MOVE) project, implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, for convening the dialogue aimed at strengthening agricultural value chains across the subregion. He acknowledged the efforts of the GIZ team, led by Beate Weiskopf and Project Manager Florian Winckler, for their commitment to the success of the MOVE project, which supports cashew and rice value chains across West Africa through the collaboration of several international partners.


The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank of Agriculture, Mr. Ayo Sotinrin, was also present at the event, engaging stakeholders on the sidelines. His presence highlighted the critical role of tailored agricultural financing in unlocking the sector’s latent potential.


Representing the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Director, Federal Department of Agriculture, Dr. Jonathan Aligbe, reiterated Nigeria’s strategic position as one of Africa’s leading cashew producers and emphasized the need to strengthen research, data systems, and market coordination to enhance global competitiveness.


Also present at the roundtable were the Representative of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, Mr. McPharson Fred Ileogben; Commissioner for Agriculture, Enugu State, Hon. Dr. Patrick Uburu Nwabueze; Commissioner for Agriculture, Osun State, Otunba Babatola Faseru; Commissioner for Agriculture, Kogi State, Hon. Timothy Ojomah; and the Commissioner for Agriculture, Oyo State, Barr. Olasunkanmi Olaleye, alongside other key stakeholders drawn from the private sector, research institutions, and donor agencies.


Kwara’s participation in this strategic forum reaffirms its strong commitment to the cashew value chain and its broader vision for economic diversification. The State welcomes collaborations that can help unlock the full potential of cashew, create jobs, and secure long-term prosperity for rural communities.


Ashaolu Omotola

Press Secretary

Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development

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