Plizio Visual Lab

Cashew Cultivation Area

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Agriculture

Weather…

Cashew cultivation, known locally as anacarde, is one of the most dynamic agricultural sectors in Burkina Faso, contributing significantly to the nation's export earnings. The primary production areas are located in the southwest and west of the country, particularly in the Cascades, Hauts-Bassins, and Sud-Ouest regions, where rainfall patterns are good. Since the 1960s, production has expanded steadily, positioning Burkina Faso as a leading West African exporter of cashew nuts. Cashew trees serve a dual purpose, providing economic benefits while also assisting in reforestation and soil erosion control efforts. The sector supports hundreds of thousands of small-scale farmers and plays a crucial role in poverty alleviation within rural communities. While much of the crop is currently exported in its raw form, there is a growing emphasis on increasing local processing capacities to capture more value within the country. The harvesting season typically begins in February and extends through June, with Burkinabe cashews being highly regarded on the global market for their quality.

Location: Burkina Faso
Nearby: Bobo-Dioulasso (38 km)

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	24	28	31	31	30	28	26	25	26	27	26	24
Rain mm	1	5	15	52	100	142	216	264	190	72	5	0

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?

This region is an important cashew cultivation area in Burkina Faso. Cashew production serves as a significant income source for many rural families and contributes to the country's exports.

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Visiting

Cashew trees usually grow in small plantations or intercropped with other crops. They are visible from field paths, but the cultivation areas are generally not open to the public.

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Where to view it

A good impression of the cashew plantations can be gained from the side roads in the rural areas of southwestern Burkina Faso. Viewpoints on gentle hills offer an overview of the green tree stands.

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Local products

Fresh and roasted cashew nuts, as well as cashew oil and butter, are available at local markets. In season, farmers also sell the unripe cashew apples, which are used to make juice and alcoholic beverages.

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Active season

The cashew harvest mainly takes place from February to May, when the nuts ripen and fall from the trees. During these months, drying grounds and processing facilities are especially busy.

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Nearby

The cashew cultivation areas can be visited together with the Banfora waterfalls or the Sindou rock formation. The city of Bobo-Dioulasso, with its markets and mosques, is also a good combination destination.

Geography

Coordinates

10.90000, -4.10000

Facts

Burkina Faso produces over 150,000 tons of cashew nuts annually.
More than 90% of production occurs in the Cascades and Hauts-Bassins regions.
The sector provides income for approximately 200,000 producers.
Cashew exports account for about 7% of total export earnings.
The harvesting season for the nuts starts in February and ends in June.
The government aims to process 50% of the crop locally.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Dindivier Forest11 km · SExplore →

Koro Rock Village32 km · SEExplore →

Bobo-Dioulasso Amusement Park36 km · SEExplore →

Bobo-Dioulasso Agricultural Region36 km · SEExplore →

Bobointer Dry Port37 km · SEExplore →

SOFITEX Bobo-Dioulasso38 km · SEExplore →

CIMASSO Bobo-Dioulasso38 km · SEExplore →

SONABHY Péni Depot43 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is an anacarde?

That is the cashew nut. It grows on a tree below a fleshy pseudo-fruit called the cashew apple.

When are cashew nuts harvested?

The harvest season is usually between February and May.

Can you eat the cashew apples?

Yes, they are juicy and rich in vitamins, but very delicate and therefore hardly suitable for export.

Why are cashew nuts often expensive?

The processing is labor-intensive, and the shell contains toxic oils that must be carefully removed.

Where can you find the large plantations?

Mainly in the wetter southwest of Burkina Faso, around Banfora and Bobo-Dioulasso.

Cashew Cultivation Area: where is it located?

Cashew Cultivation Area is located in Burkina Faso.

Cashew Cultivation Area: when is the best time to visit?

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

Cashew Cultivation Area: why is it worth visiting?

Cashew cultivation, known locally as anacarde, is one of the most dynamic agricultural sectors in Burkina Faso, contributing significantly to the nation's export earnings.

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