This paper describes the implementation of a multipartner effort, under the coordination of
Embrapa Tropical Agroindustry, one of the research centres of the Brazilian Agricultural
Research Corporation (Embrapa), located in the State of Ceará, Northeast Brazil. The project had as its main objective to improve the quality of cashew nuts produced by small farmers, through the introduction of improved producing and processing technologies,
together with sound managerial and organisational aspects, using a highly participatory
approach involving partners belonging to the private and public sector.