Pj. Martin et al., CASHEW FARM UPGRADING - AGRONOMIC OPTIONS FOR INCREASING CASHEW PRODUCTION BY SMALLHOLDER FARMERS IN TANZANIA, Experimental Agriculture, 34(2), 1998, pp. 137-152
As a result of higher prices and improved marketing, cashew (Anacardiu
m occidentale) farmers in Tanzania are trying to improve production th
rough improved husbandry. The main production constraint is powdery mi
ldew disease which causes large reductions in cree yields. Although fu
ngicides can control this disease, the majority of farmers are unable
to afford them. Recently, cashew material with some tolerance to the d
isease has been released to growers and use of this material will be o
ne of the main ways for farmers to cope with the disease. Cashew is gr
own principally by smallholders in Tanzania and since 1993 ways for fa
rmers to increase production by including improved material on their f
arms have been investigated in participatory trials. The most importan
t initial step is to fell non-productive trees. Where there is suffici
ent space these can be replaced by improved material established eithe
r as grafted plants, polyclonal seed or by top-working. Improved mater
ial can also be planted in gaps amongst the trees.