Plizio Visual Lab

Djougou Cashew Processing Plant

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Industrial site

Weather…

The cashew processing plant in Djougou is a key facility for the agricultural sector in northwestern Benin. Djougou, the largest city in the Donga Department, lies at the heart of one of the country's most productive cashew-growing regions. The factory specializes in cleaning, shelling, drying, and packaging raw cashew nuts, employing modern technologies to preserve the quality of the delicate kernels. A primary goal of the facility is to retain value addition within Benin, as cashews are among the nation's most vital export commodities. The social impact of the plant is particularly noteworthy, with a majority of the workforce comprising local women, thereby fostering economic empowerment and independence. The factory collaborates closely with smallholder cooperatives and promotes sustainable farming practices. Many of the nuts processed here carry Organic or Fair Trade certifications, enabling access to premium markets in Europe and North America. This facility plays a crucial role in poverty reduction and helps solidify Benin's position as Africa's third-largest cashew producer.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	25	28	29	28	27	26	25	24	25	25	26	25
Rain mm	4	11	38	89	125	147	197	208	207	118	11	2

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?

The Djougou Cashew Processing Plant is a modern facility for processing cashew nuts. It increases the export value of this important agricultural crop in Benin and creates jobs in the region.

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Visiting

The processing plant is typically not open to the public due to hygiene and safety requirements. From outside, the modern buildings and supply traffic can be observed.

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Where to view it

A good viewpoint is at the entrance to the facility, where the processing halls and drying units are visible. The nearby road also gives a view of the entire site.

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Local products

Main products are shelled and processed cashew nuts for export. Local markets also offer fresh cashew fruits and kernels, often as a seasonal specialty.

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Active season

The main cashew processing season is from February to May, during the cashew apple harvest. During this time, the plant runs at full capacity to process the nuts quickly.

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Nearby

A visit to the cashew factory can be combined with exploring the city of Djougou, known for its colorful market life. The Pendjari National Park in the north also makes a great safari addition.

Geography

Coordinates

9.71000, 1.67000

Facts

Benin exports over 150,000 tons of raw and processed cashew nuts annually.
Djougou serves as a central trading hub for cashews in the Donga region.
The factory employs hundreds of local women as specialists during the peak season.
The export value of cashews from Benin has increased dramatically over the last decade.
Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL) is an industrial byproduct produced at the site.
The facility often collaborates with major international partners such as Fludor Benin.