The value chains of dried mangoes and cashews are often complex and come with considerable sustainability risks. In particular, the low transparency of goods flows is problematic: raw cashews are frequently shipped to Asia and processed there before being transported to Europe as finished products. As a result, no value is created on location, and unnecessary transport routes harm the environment.
Besides processing, the cultivation of these goods also poses considerable challenges. Due to climate change, the growing methods used, and economic and political difficulties caused by a high and ever-growing population density, the desertification of the Sahel is advancing. It is becoming more and more difficult to grow grains, beans and tree cultures efficiently. The introduction of agroforestry systems combats these challenges.
In Burkina Faso, HALBA works with its local partner gebana on expanding the direct procurement of sustainably produced cashews and dried mangoes of an organic and Fairtrade quality that are processed in the country.
Since 2022, the project has been supporting the roll-out of DAF. While DAF is already well known in tropical climates, it is still rare in Burkina Faso and the other countries of the Sahel. The DAF cultivation method improves soil quality and fertility, reduces erosion and ensures stable yields. It also counteracts desertification. By 2026, 122 hectares of land will be converted into agroforestry systems, and 36 farmers will be trained to become local agroforestry experts.
