Cashew cluster
Key figures
Global cashew market value
$7.5B
Current RCN growth
₦1,800/kg
Global demand growth
+5% CAGR
Productive lifespan
50 years
About this cluster
Ado Awaye's highland savanna is cashew country. The dry Harmattan winds that roll through Oyo State each November trigger the flowering that makes cashew production possible at scale.
Why cashew wins long-term
Of all Aroko clusters, cashew delivers one of the most compelling lifetime return stories. A single tree planted today can still produce income for your grandchildren. Production costs are among the lowest of any cash crop—no milling required, minimal inputs, and the harvest window aligns with Nigeria's dry season for easier logistics.
The hidden upside — cashew apple
For every kilogram of cashew nut harvested, the tree produces 8–10× that weight in cashew apple—a vitamin-C-rich fruit with a growing market in juice, wine, and dried snacks. As Aroko scales processing, this by-product could add ₦80,000–₦150,000 per acre in additional annual income—an upside not included in base projections.
| Years | RCN (kg) | Price (₦/kg) | Investor (35%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yr 3 | 80 | ₦1,400 | ₦39,200 |
| Yr 4 | 180 | ₦1,500 | ₦94,500 |
| Yr 5 | 300 | ₦1,600 | ₦168,000 |
| Yr 6–10 | 380 | ₦1,750 | ₦232,750 |
| Yr 11–20 | 360 | ₦1,800 | ₦226,800 |
Note: RCN = raw cashew nuts. Apple by-product revenue not included.
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