Obollo-Afor, the central hub of Udenu Local Government Area in Enugu State, is renowned for the cultivation of cashew nuts, avocado pears, plantains, bananas, and mangoes, among other crops.
In recent times, the community has gained global recognition for its significant contribution to the cashew nut production industry. People from around the world flock to Obollo-Afor to purchase this commodity.
Consumers from Europe, America, Asia, and other African nations actively seek out cashew nuts from Obollo-Afor, reflecting the growing international demand for the product.
Originally a local staple and a symbol of hospitality, cashew nuts have evolved into a crucial economic asset for the community, providing sustenance and livelihoods for hundreds of individuals. In the past, locals used cashew nuts for both consumption and entertaining guests, but today, it has become a primary source of income for many.
Amid various businesses in the area, the cashew nut industry stands out as a major employer of labor, supporting the livelihoods of numerous individuals. Beyond Obollo-Afor, cashew nuts are also found in neighboring areas like Orba, Ibagwa, Igbo-Eze modern market, Oghe, and 9th Mile Corner market in Enugu State.
Nigeria, as of 2016, ranked as the sixth-largest global producer of raw cashew nuts, with an annual production of about 120,000 metric tonnes. By 2022, the country had exported 315,677 metric tonnes of raw cashew nuts, valued at $252 million, constituting 5.24 percent of the nation’s non-oil exports.
The National Bureau of Statistics reported that in the first quarter of 2023, Nigeria exported cashew nuts in the shell worth N27.1 billion, with Vietnam being the top importer. Shelled cashew nuts worth N6.8 billion were also exported during the same period.
The bustling cashew nut market in Obollo-Afor starts early on Afor-market days, occurring every four days. People from as far as Benue and Kogi states, as well as neighboring communities, bring raw cashew nuts to the market. Interestingly, the market experiences a rapid transformation, becoming deserted before 8:00 am after a bustling start.
Despite the immense potential for generating foreign exchange, some locals express the need for government support and development of the cashew nut industry. They believe that with proper attention, it could become a multimillion-dollar enterprise.
The article further explores the experiences of individuals like Okechukwu Boniface, who established a bakery to streamline the processing of cashew nuts. He highlights the capital-intensive nature of the business but emphasizes its profitability. The report also touches on the challenges faced by the industry, such as the lack of packaging facilities, processing machines, and delayed payments from buyers.
In conclusion, the narrative underscores the socio-economic impact of the cashew nut industry in Obollo-Afor, emphasizing its potential for job creation and income generation. The locals express hope that government intervention and investment could further boost the industry’s growth and contribute significantly to the nation’s economy.