The sustained growth of production in Côte d'Ivoire over the last 20 years has enabled the country to become the world's leading producer of raw cashew nuts. However, according to sectoral diagnosis, this performance is not sustainable. Indeed, it has been based on extensive and rudimentary production systems subject to biophysical constraints, notably, soil degradation and climate variability.

This project is part of the ongoing program on the Promotion of the Competitiveness of the Cashew Nut Value Chain (PPCA) in Côte d'Ivoire to improve the sustainability of the cashew nut sector through soil fertility management and climate risk management. Specifically, the project aims to set up a framework for monitoring land degradation in cashew nut production landscapes, to strengthen local capacities for soil analysis, and to develop strategies for producers to adapt to the adverse effects of climate variations.

The general objective is to improve the sustainability of cashew nut production systems in Côte d'Ivoire.

Specific objectives are as follows.

• Improve knowledge on the state of soil fertility in cashew nut farming systems and provide recommendations for better management of these soils.
• Strengthen the capacities of local partners (researchers, technicians) in terms of soil treatment and analysis.
• Develop, through climate-smart villages, crop management practices for better adaptation to climate variability and change.