Bootcamp AICCRA-ITC Renforcement des capacités des acteurs de la chaine de valeur anacarde

Atadokpede M, Golli S, Assogba M, Ouedraogo M, Ouedraogo I, Derenoncourt E, 2025. BOOTCAMP AICCRA-ITC Renforcement des capacités des acteurs de la chaine de valeur anacarde. AICCRA Report. Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA)

From June 17 to 20, 2025, the Nema Kadior Hotel in Ziguinchor, Senegal, hosted the AICCRA-ITC Bootcamp Workshop: Capacity Building for Stakeholders in the Cashew Value Chain in Senegal, bringing together 23 participants, including eight women. These participants came from various organizations: the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MIC), cashew producer organizations, Agropole-Sud, the Interprofession Cajou du Sénégal (ICAS), the private sector, NGOs (Shelter for Life), and international partners (ITC, Alliance Bioversity International and CIAT). The main objective of the workshop was to raise awareness and train actors in the cashew value chain on climate issues and adaptation solutions, while integrating an inclusive and gender-sensitive approach to promote the sustainability and resilience of the cashew sector in Senegal. Exchanges focused on strengthening the capacities of actors in the cashew value chain in the use of Climate Information Services (CIS) and Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) solutions, with a particular focus on integrating gender-sensitive approaches to strengthen their resilience and implement sustainable practices using green finance. The workshop was participatory and included videos, interactive presentations, and group work followed by plenary presentations. Participants deepened their understanding of basic concepts related to climate change, climate variability, and green finance. They then analyzed the impacts of climate change on their economic activities, evaluated existing adaptation strategies, and identified areas for improvement tailored to their respective contexts. On this basis, they co-constructed a green economic model framework integrating the climate solutions discussed.

Evaluations revealed that the workshop promoted knowledge gain among participants, who went from 57% correct answers on the pre-training evaluation questionnaire to 85% after the training. The majority (94%) expressed satisfaction with the conduct, organization, and delivery of the training.

The workshop concluded with a projection exercise: participants were invited to formulate their vision for the future, identify obstacles to be overcome, and define the next steps to be taken for a resilient cashew nut sector.

The main recommendation of this workshop is to ensure that stakeholders develop and successfully implement strategic plans for managing the climate risks they have identified in the cashew value chain.