Investigating the Effects of Drought on Anacardium occidentale L. (Cashew) and Adaptation Options to Climate Change in Burkina Faso (West Africa): A Review

Abstract

The objective of this review was to investigate the effects of drought on cashew and to identify options for cashew adaptation to drought in the aim to maintain and/or improve its productivity in plantation and in agroforestry under climate change in Burkina Faso. The methodology used was the review of the scientific literature through the analyse of the findings of 51 studies to explore the effects of drought on the cashew. Drought is a major factor causing land degradation and limiting crop productivity in the Sahel and particularly in Burkina Faso. The cashew contributes in creating jobs and generating revenues mainly for women employed in the cashew nuts processing units established in Burkina Faso. The cashew sensitivity to drought was reported through changes in some physiological parameters under water stress conditions. In order to maintain and/or improve cashew productivity in plantations and in agroforestry systems and the rural households socio-economic conditions under drought with climate change, it is urgent to develop and implement cashew adaptation options. This manuscript recommended adaptation actions to reduce the vulnerability of the effect of cashew to drought under climate change.