Cashew farmers’ innovations driving food and income security in the Jaman North and South districts, Ghana

This study investigated how smallholder farmers in Ghana’s forest–savanna transition zone managed expanding cashew cultivation with food and income security. Using mixed methods with 216 farmers and six key informants in Jaman North and South, farmer-led innovations were assessed. From 2019 to 2024, small cashew farms (<2 ha) declined by 35% in Jaman North and 10% in Jaman South. Key strategies included intercropping (68%), dedicated food croplands (47%), and agroforestry (30%), strongly shaped by land tenure (p <.001). Cooperatives improved market access, but limited credit and extension services constrained adoption, highlighting the need for stronger policy support.