Exploring Constraints Facing Smallholder Cashew Nut Farmers in Bagamoyo towards Accessing the Foreign Markets

This study investigated the constraints hindering Bagamoyo smallholder farmers from internationally exporting cashew nuts, aiming to identify their specific challenges and contribute valuable knowledge to enhance their market access. With the help of a cross-sectional design, the study employed purposive sampling, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions for data collection. The thematic analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data. The findings indicated that Bagamoyo smallholder farmers faced various constraints in exporting cashew nuts. These include limited access to market information (32%), inadequate market infrastructure (24%), stringent quality and certification requirements (17%), limited financial resources and credit (15%), inconsistent government policies (7%), lack of technical knowledge and skills (3%), and limited market diversification options (2%). The findings imply the need for interventions to address these constraints. Enhancing market information channels, improving infrastructure, streamlining quality processes, increasing financial access, and promoting consistent government policies are vital for farmers' effective participation in international markets. Based on the findings, recommendations included establishing mechanisms for better market information access, investing in infrastructure, supporting quality compliance, expanding financial resources, promoting consistent government policies, and strengthening farmer organisations through capacity-building initiatives. This study contributes valuable knowledge by identifying the specific challenges faced by Bagamoyo smallholder farmers in accessing international markets for cashew nuts. The findings offer insights into these constraints and propose interventions to enhance farmers' capacity for global trade.