What is the reason for the disappearance of cashew trees in Soyo?

Abstract

This study examines the causes behind the disappearance of cashew trees in Soyo, identifying petroleum pollution—stemming from oil spills and toxic emissions by exploration companies—as the primary factor. This contamination undermines soil fertility and drastically reduces productivity, with losses reaching up to 80% in some coastal areas. Climatic stresses, such as prolonged droughts, water scarcity, and the end of the productive cycle of older orchards, further exacerbate tree decline by hampering flower and fruit development. The research is based on interviews with affected farmers, environmentalists, and local authorities, as well as on analyses of agricultural production data and soil contamination tests. This situation is compounded by the lack of systematic renewal of cultivation areas, urban expansion that fragments landholdings, the desertification of rural zones, and insufficient technical and financial support for producers, which limits their access to improved seedlings and sustainable management practices. To reverse this trend, it is recommended to decontaminate soils using phytoremediation techniques and chemical flushing, introduce genetically adapted seedlings tolerant to stress conditions, implement agroecological management programs, and establish dedicated credit lines and technical assistance for cashew cultivation. Public incentive policies and partnerships among government bodies, the petroleum sector, research institutes, and farmer cooperatives are essential to restore productivity, rehabilitate degraded areas, and ensure the sustainability of cashew farming in Soyo. The success of these initiatives will depend on continuous monitoring and community engagement.