“Together, we can create a future where Africa plays a central role in feeding the world while thriving economically”
In this exclusive interview, Krishanu Chakravarty, project manager at Prosper Cashew, shares insights into the transformative impact of the Prosper Cashew Project. He discusses how the initiative is driving sustainable economic development in West Africa’s cashew industry and aligns with the themes of SIAL’s African Food Summit, addressing food sovereignty, innovation, and the global role Africa can play in the future of food security
Can you tell us about prosper cashew’s mission
Prosper Cashew’s mission is to rally collective forces to build a thriving and sustainable West African cashew processing industry. The project launched in October 2020 and is funded by USDA under the Food for Progress initiative. This is implemented by TechnoServe in Cote d’Ivoire, Nigeria, and Ghana.
We strengthen cashew processing plants, facilitates access to vital working capital, and demonstrates the business case for further investments. Our work also connects local processors with international buyers, supporting the marketing of West African cashew kernels and driving economic development in the region.
How does the mission tie into the themes of SIAL’s african food summit this year ?
The Prosper Cashew Project mission aligns closely with the themes of SIAL’s African Food Summit in three key ways:
- Food Sovereignty & Innovation: By empowering local processors, Prosper Cashew helps Africa assert control over its cashew value chain. It contributes to food sovereignty through innovation in business models, processing techniques, and local market expansion.
- Employment & Investment: The project directly boosts employment, creates jobs, and attracts significant investment by improving the financial health of processors, enabling them to compete globally.
- Challenging Biases: The project showcases how West African entrepreneurs can defy preconceived notions about their ability to process high quality cashew locally. By providing them with the necessary skills and linking them to global markets, the project empowers these entrepreneurs to build sustainable and profitable cashew processing businesses. It challenges the outdated biases about Africa’s industrial capacity showing that with the right support, local processors not only can meet international standards but thrive in the competitive global market.
Prosper Cashew is not just transforming cashew processing but also shifting Africa’s role in the global food economy through investment, job creation, and increased processing efficiency
What messages do you hope audience members will take away from SIAL’s african food summit ?
I hope the audience recognizes that Africa holds the key to future global food security. With over 60% of the world’s arable land and a growing young population, Africa is not just a continent but a food basket for the world. However, to fully appreciate its potential, we must embrace Africa’s cultural diversity—54 countries, each with its own culinary traditions, preferences, and innovations.
The transformation of food processing at the origin is the next frontier. By adding value locally, we can revolutionize global food systems, benefiting both Africa and the world.
This partnership must be a two-way street: Africa needs global investment and collaboration, while the world depends on Africa’s resources to build a sustainable, resilient food ecosystem. Together, we can create a future where Africa plays a central role in feeding the world while thriving economically.
Why is it important for major players in the sector to get together to discuss the challenges facing the food industry ?
It is crucial for major players in the food industry to come together because the challenges we face—ranging from food security to climate change—are too complex to be tackled in isolation. Collaboration fosters innovation, resource sharing, and the development of sustainable solutions that benefit everyone in the supply chain. By aligning efforts, industry leaders can create more resilient food systems, drive investments, and build partnerships that ensure the long-term viability of food production and processing, particularly in regions like Africa where the potential is vast but underutilized.
What are some the major changes you would like to see on an international level ?
At an international level, I would like to see greater integration of profit, planet, and people in business models ensuring economic profitability, environmental sustainability, and social equity.
Projects like Prosper Cashew exemplify this balance by increasing local processing for profitability, reducing carbon footprints for environmental impact, and creating jobs for local communities, especially women. Additionally, I would advocate for more investments in sustainable food processing, like cashews, and stronger partnerships between local and international stakeholders to build resilient and equitable food systems globally.
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