At the tipping point: Can biodiversity and rural livelihoods endure uncontrolled cashew expansion in West Africa?
Abstract Our commentary explores the increase in cashew cultivation across West Africa, drawing attention to its impacts on biodiversity and livelihoods. We summarize the issue regionally, then showcase Guinea‐Bissau, where we unravel the dynamics between cashew expansion, habitat and biodiversity loss, and livelihoods. Finally, we propose concrete policy measures encompassing strengthened conservation, sustainable land‐use planning, enhanced farming practices, community engagement, and international market reforms. Our recommendations extend beyond both a recent review (Rege et al. 2023) and a concise policy commentary on EU deforestation law (Powell et al. 2023) in offering a roadmap for sustainable cashew cultivation. Abstract in Portuguese is available with online material.
Authors
- Richard J. Ladle
- Pedro Beja (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8164-0760)
- Patrícia Guedes (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9176-3796)
- Ricardo J. Lopes (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2193-5107)
- Luke L. Powell (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2001-4982)
- Ana Filipa Palmeirim (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3931-0578)
- Luís Palma (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2899-9269)
- Marina Padrão Temudo (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8254-4233)
- Luís Catarino (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1261-9076)
- Mohamed Henriques (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3061-5423)
- Filipa Monteiro (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1505-2140)
Institutions
- University of Lisbon (PT)
- University of Groningen (NL)
- Universidade do Porto (PT)
- Fryske Akademy (NL)
- University of Glasgow (GB)
- Universidade Federal de Alagoas (BR)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Biotropica
- Published
- 2024-08-23
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1111/btp.13374
- Citations
- 15
- Primary Topic
- African Botany and Ecology Studies
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 31.05
Funders
- European Commission
- Horizon 2020 Framework Programme
- Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia