Polish aid

The purpose of the initiative was to boost efficiency and competitiveness of local producers’ groups in cashew processing as well as employment in this sector in a district 60 km south of Dar es Salaam.

To carry out the project, the foundation partnered with Mkuranga Cashew Council Project, a local association grouping approximately 20 rural co-operatives of the Mkuranga District. The association was established in 2018, when the first of the projects on cashew processing, co-financed by the Polish development cooperation funds, was implemented. The association is constantly growing as new cooperatives join in, and thus help is reaching more and more people.

It was possible to purchase some steam boilers, an electric drier, and a small delivery van for the cooperative groups.

The foundation carried out informational activities to increase the farmers’ knowledge and skills both in processing, finances, and marketing.

The essential outcome of the project was also a new cashew brand – Wahapahapa  – healthy food, produced locally and ethically. It is not easy to cultivate and produce cashews – the unshelled cashew nuts are boiled in steam boilers under pressure. Then, they are peeled of the outer shell and then of the inner skin. The process requires using protective gloves because there is poisonous juice between the layers, which harms the skin. Thus, it is very important that the persons handling cashews are properly trained and wear protective equipment.

Since the time of the project’s implementation coincided with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, a leaflet was prepared on how to observe health and safety measures in food processing industry during the epidemic. In order to improve the health and safety standards of the persons engaged in the project, protective gear was purchased such as disposable gloves, masks, disinfectants, and soap for both male and female farmers using a shop hall and the donated equipment.

Under the initiative, two playgrounds for children were built near the two processing halls in Kisiju and Mwanambaya villages. As a result, women working at the processing plants can leave their children in a safe place under the care of one of the women.

To promote the project, a calendar for 2020 was issued with photos presenting the process of cashew cultivation and processing. Also, packages with cashew nuts were distributed to companies which sell nuts and dried fruits, and other cashew food products such as cheese, nut spreads or bars.