The aim of this PPG is to develop two project proposals, one addressing the SPS challenges in shea and cashew value chain and another one in smoked fish value chain.

Cashew and shea represent an important part of agricultural production in Mali reflecting considerable trade opportunities for the country. However, capacity gaps remain in both value chains, among others in terms of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), traceability, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) and standards compliance. Preliminary results from a regional Total Diet Study (PG/303) identified key food safety issues in Malian smoked fish related to pesticide residues. Smoked fish is a highly consumed product in Mali, while the fish sector itself is a key sub-sector for the Malian economy generating significant income for the population. Based on the results of the Total Diet Study, the smoked fish value chain has been integrated into the work to be carried out under this PPG.