ACi Update: Master Training Program

A Master Training Program to promote the African Cashew Value Chain

From 9th- 14th December, the first session of the Master Training Program took place at IBA Hotel in Bobo-Dioulasso, the regional capital of Houet Province, situated in the main cashew growing area of Burkina Faso. All together 62 participants from Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo took part in this unique learning event. The program aims at developing a pool of certified West African cashew experts with in-depth knowledge on the cashew value chain.

Linking theoretical knowledge to practical experiences.

The Master Training Program is divided into three successive sessions held in Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana. During the first session, participants learnt about a functioning cashew value chain and market dynamics. A highlight of this session was the visit of the ACA sealed cashew factory ANATRANS.  The second module will deal with the application of good agricultural practices and its implication on the cashew processing industry. The third session will cover topics such as supply chain management, finances, investments and business ethics. In between the trainings, the so-called ‘intersessions’, participants return to their host institutions/organizations to conduct ‘homework’, either individually or in groups, to deepen knowledge on a selected topic. All training and homework activities consider cross-cutting issues such as gender, policy development, sector regulations and nutrition value.

Get to know partners. Share knowledge. Discuss practical experiences.

The African Cashew initiative (ACi) developed an online forum to link all participants of the Master Training Program. “This knowledge platform is accessible at all times from anywhere, either via mobile phone or the computer. Real time exchange across national borders ensures regional exchange, learning and innovation. It enhances the quality of the training significantly” said Andre Tandjiekpon, Manager of the Master Training Program at ACi. “In the beginning of next year, the online cashew community will be accessible for all actors in the cashew sector. It is a place to discuss best practices, to share success stories and to build relationships with actors along the cashew value chain in Africa”, he added. The knowledge platform is accessible to all stakeholders along the cashew value chain, who are interested in sharing their know-how across borders.

Team work is the key.

The African Cashew initiative (ACi) and the African Cashew Alliance (ACA) jointly developed the Master Training Program. Being convinced of its success, also ACA President Madam Taraff registered as a participant for the three sessions. In her closing speech, she emphasized the expertise of all those in the room and praised their commitment to learning and sharing. ACA goes one step further in presenting their commitment. After completing the seven month program, ACA will certify the participants as cashew experts being competent to train farmers, and advice companies, organizations and institutions in their home countries.

For more information, please contact Mr. Andre Tandjiekpon, Manager of the Master Training Program, andre.tandjiekpon@giz.de or Ann-Christin Berger, ACi Communication Manager, ann-christin.berger@giz.de. For more information on the African Cashew initiative (ACi) and to access the cashew knowledge platform, please visit www.africancashewinitiative.org