Master Training Program to promote the African Cashew Value Chain

From 8th to 12th August 2016, the Competitive Cashew initiative (ComCashew) together with the African Cashew Alliance (ACA), with support from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) and the Cocoa Research Institute Ghana (CRIG), will hold the 2nd session of the 3rd edition of the Master Training Program for cashew value chain promotion.

The program provides a platform for about 70 cashew experts coming from Ghana, Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Mozambique, Gambia, Tchad, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Mali, Togo and Nigeria to share knowledge, discuss best practices and lessons learnt as well as to build national and regional networks for future collaboration.

Returning to their host institutions/organizations/ companies, the participants will have a multiplier effect on the cashew industry when sharing their knowledge and experiences gained by attending this tailor-made training. During knowledge sharing sessions of theories and their application, participants learn about all aspects of the cashew value chain from production and processing of raw cashew nuts, to economics, cashew market dynamics, marketing and financing mechanisms.

Facilitators and technical experts teach, evaluate and re-design each training session according to participants’ needs. The second session in Sunyani will cover the main steps of Good Improved Planting Material development and the importance of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) in cashew production.

Participants will be introduced to Monitoring and Evaluation and Leadership and Communication.

At each session, a cocktail of topics on self-reflection and perception management and training participants on behaviors and values that affect learning and teaching skills. The highlight of this session will be a field visit to the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG) research station and farm visits in the cashew production area around Sunyani.