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 is an effective way of meeting 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 dynamic agroforestry (DAF). While DAF is already well established 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. As part of the project, both gebana’s agriculturists and the farmers are being trained. By 2025, 122 hectares are to be converted into agroforestry systems by 490 farmers and 36 farmers are to be trained as local agroforestry experts. In addition to investments in cultivation, gebana plans to increase its processing capacities by constructing a new factory. The goal of the new factory is not only efficient processing, but also sustainable energy and waste management.
By 2025, 149 hectares were converted to agroforestry systems by 595 farmers, and 47 farmers were trained as local agroforestry experts. The target of 120.5 hectares was thus exceeded by 22 %. In 2026, the project will enter its second phase (2026 - 2029) with the aim of converting a further 200 hectares to dynamic agroforestry systems. Alongside investments in cultivation, gebana has increased its local processing capacities with the construction of a new factory, which could be put into operation by the end of 2025. The aim of the new factory is not only efficient processing but also sustainable energy and waste management.
