Executive Summary
The 2026 RCN season in Ghana has commenced amid significant challenges stemming from atypical weather patterns attributed to climate change. Data collected from CQAAG chapters across key production regions (Bono, Ahafo, Savanna etc.) indicate persistent rainfall instead of the expected harmattan, leading to high moisture content in harvested nuts, lower Kernel Outturn Ratio (KOR) values ranging from 42 to 46 lbs., and widespread discoloration (blackening) of RCN. These issues threaten the quality and marketability of Ghana’s cashew exports, potentially impacting farmer incomes and the industry’s competitiveness.
Based on cutting tests and field reports from our members, average moisture levels are exceeding 15-20%, well above the recommended 10% maximum. Visual inspections reveal mold and improper drying from the farmers. CQAAG proposes collaborative solutions with the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA) to mitigate these risks, including emergency drying initiatives, farmer education campaigns, and enhanced quality monitoring. We urge joint execution of these measures before the end of January 2026 to safeguard the season’s potential.
Introduction
Ghana is one of the leading cashew producer in Africa, with the 2026 season anticipated to build on previous years’ outputs despite recent setbacks. However, early indicators from the field show deviations from normal conditions. The government has set a minimum producer price of GH¢12 per kilogram for only RCN meeting quality standards (e.g., ≤10% moisture, 46 KOR, 190 nut count), reflecting an FOB price of US$1,400 per metric ton. Yet, ongoing climate variability is exacerbating quality issues, as evidenced by the 30% production drop in 2024 due to adverse weather.
CQAAG, representing quality analysts and professionals in the cashew value chain, has compiled this report based on cutting data and surveys from our regional chapters. This data was gathered through standardized testing protocols in early January 2026, involving over 50 members across 8 districts. The report highlights key challenges and outlines actionable solutions for partnership with TCDA to ensure high-quality RCN and sustainable practices.
Current Cutting Data from CQAAG Chapters
At the onset of the 2026 Raw Cashew Nut (RCN) season, preliminary cutting tests from our CQAAG chapters across key production areas between ending December 2025 and January 4, 2026 provide an initial snapshot of nut quality based on standardized assessments. These tests included moisture content measurement (using calibrated meters), KOR assessment (pounds of kernel per 80kg bag), nut count per kg, and visual grading for color and defects. Samples were drawn from farms, aggregation points, and early market lots, representing approximately 10 metric tons of RCN per each cutting.
Key Findings:
• Moisture Content: Overall, the national average moisture content stands at 18%, with notable variations: Sawla only reports the lowest at 7.5%, while several districts (Sampa, Drobo, Techiman, Kintampo, and Nkoranza) hit the upper limit of 20%. This suggests potential drying inconsistencies in certain areas, which could warrant monitoring to prevent post-harvest losses.
• Kernel Outturn Ratio (KOR): The kernel outturn ratio (KOR) in pounds averages 46 lbs nationally, reflecting solid early-season disruptions in the quality. Standout performers include Nsawkaw and Drobo at 48 lbs, while Kintampo registers the lowest at 42 lbs. These figures doesn’t properly align with expectations for Ghanaian RCN, and districts with elevated defects or moisture have to undergo education and improve handling practices to optimize yields as the season progresses. Readings averaged 46 lbs at the beginning of the season is below the premium benchmark of 50-52 lbs, indicating higher defect rates. Lower KOR is linked to improper maturation and drying, reducing export value.
• Nut Count and Quality: Nut count per kilogram averages 152 nationally, ranging from 134 in Kintampo (indicating larger nuts, thick shell, and High moisture content) to 169 in Sampa. Defect analysis reveals an average of 84 grams of fully damaged nuts per sample, with Techiman showing the highest at 102 grams. Void nuts average 25 grams, peaking at 34 grams in Techiman, while oil nuts are minimal at a national average of 3 grams, appearing only in Nkoranza and Nsawkaw (10 & 16 grams). The combined total for these primary defects is 112 grams on average. Secondary defects, including spotted/partly sound nuts (average 13 grams) and immature nuts (average 7 grams), total 20 grams nationally, with 50% of this figure equating to 10 grams. Good kernels average 251 grams per sample, with Nsawkaw yielding the highest at 266 grams and Kintampo the lowest at 225 grams.
Visual inspections showed 70-80% of samples exhibiting blackening or dark discoloration, likely due to mold from excess moisture, heat and delayed harmattan. This report underscores a promising start to the 2026 season, with opportunities for quality enhancement in high-variability areas.
• Regional Variations:
◦ Bono East Region (e.g., Techiman, Nkoranza, and Kintampo): Moisture 18-20%, KOR 42-46 lbs; Heavy rain impact.
◦ Bono Region (e.g., Sampa, Wenchi): Moisture 18-20%, KOR 46-48 lbs; heaviest rains reported and impacted.
◦ Savanna Region (e.g. Sawla): Moisture 5-10%, KOR 46-47 lbs; Lower rain impact.
◦ Volta Region (emerging area): Lower volumes but comparable quality issues.
These metrics doesn’t align with industry outlooks noting constrained supply and selective buying, where only high-quality lots (good KOR, low moisture) will fetch premiums. Compared to January-February 2025, KOR has declined by 3-5 lbs on average, exacerbating concerns from the 2024 weather-induced production drop.
Identified Challenges
1 Atypical Weather Patterns: Persistent rainfall in production areas, instead of the dry harmattan winds, is preventing natural drying. Climate change has delayed harmattan onset, leading to prolonged wet conditions and the sun heat that promote mold and discoloration (black RCN).
2 High Moisture Content: Farmers are harvesting and selling wet nuts to avoid further losses, unwilling to dry to 10% due to costs, lack of facilities, or market pressures. This risks spoilage during storage and transport, reducing shelf life and quality.
3 Suboptimal KOR and Discoloration: Low KOR (Average 46 lbs instead of 50 lbs at the beginning) reflects poor nut development and drying, while blackening indicates fungal growth. Buyers are increasingly selective, potentially depressing prices for non-premium lots.
These challenges could lead to reduced exports, lower farmer incomes, and reputational damage for Ghanaian cashew, especially as global demand favors high-quality, traceable nuts.
Conclusion and Call to Action
The 2026 RCN season presents opportunities for Ghana’s cashew industry, but early quality challenges demand swift action. CQAAG’s data underscores the urgency of addressing weather-induced issues to meet international standards and support farmers.
We propose an immediate meeting with CCG-TCDA leaderships to formalize a partnership via a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Let’s execute these solutions collaboratively before January 31, 2026, to ensure a resilient and high-quality season.