By Mwanamkasi Jumbe
Tanzania’s cashew subsector is entering the 2026/2027 season with renewed momentum after the Cashew Nuts Board of Tanzania (CBT) launched the distribution of subsidised agricultural inputs aimed at protecting yields and sustaining recent production gains.
The programme will see more than 30,000 tonnes of powdered sulphur and approximately 1.5 million litres of liquid pesticides distributed to farmers across key cashew-growing regions, particularly in the southern corridor.
The inputs are critical in controlling fungal diseases and pests that have historically undermined productivity in the crop.
According to CBT officials, the distribution will be channelled through warehouses managed by Korosho Corporate Joint Enterprise (KCJE), before reaching primary cooperative societies (AMCOS) and ultimately individual farmers. Authorities say the structured supply chain is intended to improve efficiency, reduce leakages and ensure timely delivery ahead of the spraying season.
“We are building on the gains of previous seasons by ensuring that inputs are available early and reach registered farmers through a transparent system,” said Juma Yusuf, Agricultural Planning Manager at CBT, speaking on behalf of the Director General.
A key feature of the programme remains the continued use of the Agriculture Inputs Subsidy System (AISS), a digital platform designed to enhance accountability and traceability in input distribution. The system enables authorities to track beneficiaries, monitor usage and minimise diversion—an issue that has historically affected subsidy programmes across the region.
Eligibility is limited to farmers registered with the Cashew Board, reflecting ongoing efforts to formalise the sector and improve data-driven planning. Policymakers view farmer registration as a cornerstone for delivering targeted support, improving extension services and strengthening market linkages.
On the supply side, KCJE has already secured contracts with suppliers to deliver approximately 35,000 tonnes of sulphur, supplemented by a carryover stock of 16,000 tonnes from the previous season. In addition, large volumes of liquid pesticides have been procured to meet anticipated demand during the spraying cycle.
The scaling up of input distribution is closely linked to Tanzania’s broader ambition to consolidate its position as one of Africa’s leading cashew producers. Since the introduction of the subsidy programme in the 2021/2022 season, production has more than doubled – from around 240,000 tonnes to an estimated 600,000 tonnes in the 2025/2026 season – underscoring the impact of coordinated policy interventions.
Beyond productivity, the cashew industry remains a strategic export earner and a critical source of income for millions of smallholder farmers, particularly in regions such as Mtwara, Lindi and Ruvuma. The government has also been pushing for increased domestic value addition through processing, aiming to capture a larger share of global cashew value chains.
Analysts note that sustaining recent growth will depend not only on input availability but also on complementary investments in extension services, research, climate resilience and market infrastructure.
Weather variability, fluctuating global prices and logistical bottlenecks continue to pose risks to the sector’s long-term stability. Nevertheless, the current rollout signals a strong policy commitment to maintaining momentum. By combining subsidised inputs with digital oversight and structured distribution channels, Tanzania is positioning its cashew industry for more consistent yields, improved farmer incomes and enhanced competitiveness in international markets.
