The production of cashew nuts in Kenya has seen significant fluctuations over the past decade. Starting from 21.09 thousand metric tons in 2013, the volume peaked at 28.41 thousand metric tons in 2015 before experiencing a steady decline, reaching 11.36 thousand metric tons in 2023. Year-on-year variations highlight periods of both growth and substantial decline, with notable decreases in recent years, such as a -4.72% drop in 2023. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for the last five years stands at -3.89%, indicating a downward trend.
Future trends to watch for include:
- A continuous decline in production, with forecasts suggesting the volume will decrease to 8.42 thousand metric tons by 2028.
- A negative forecasted CAGR of -4.76% over the next five years, pointing toward ongoing challenges in the cashew nut production sector.
- Potential impacts from climate change, pest infestations, and market demand shifts which could further affect production levels.
- Opportunities for intervention and investment to stabilize and potentially rejuvenate the industry.
