Cocoa farmers seek more FG’s support for climate-smart agriculture

Cocoa farmers across Nigeria have urged the federal and state governments to strengthen support for research institutes to enhance the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices. This call to action was emphasized in a communique issued at the conclusion of the National Cocoa Festival, organized by the Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria (CFAN) and the Cocoa Roundtable Initiative (CORI).

Key Focus: EUDR Compliance and Cocoa Sustainability
The festival served as a strategic platform to discuss compliance with the European Union Deforestation Regulations (EUDR) and the sustainability of Nigeria’s cocoa value chain through youth entrepreneurship. Attended by government agencies, research institutions, cocoa farmers, and processors, the event underscored the urgency of traceability in cocoa cultivation, deforestation monitoring, and sustainable supply chain practices.

Stakeholders highlighted the need for a comprehensive policy framework that promotes deforestation-free cocoa production while fostering collaboration among industry players, including the National Cocoa Management Committee (NCMC), cocoa farmers, buyers, processors, exporters, and regulatory bodies.

Challenges in the Cocoa Sector
Key issues affecting the sector, as identified at the meeting, include:

• Low local consumption of cocoa products.
• Inadequate data on cocoa production and value chain activities.
• Limited awareness of EUDR and global regulatory requirements among farmers.
• Environmental challenges such as soil degradation, pests, and diseases.
• Deficiencies in post-harvest processing infrastructure.
• Limited access to finance and foreign exchange for essential agricultural inputs.
• Proposed Policy Interventions and Recommendations

To address these challenges, stakeholders proposed several policy actions:

• Government-Supported Agroforestry – The introduction of policies promoting agroforestry in cocoa farming to enhance sustainability.
• Strengthened Collaboration and Feedback Mechanisms – Establishing structured engagement between key players to ensure continuous industry improvement.
• Youth Inclusion in the Cocoa Value Chain – Creating enabling environments for private sector and youth participation in cocoa production, processing, and value-added enterprises.
• Infrastructure Development in Cocoa-Growing Areas – Investment in rural infrastructure to facilitate efficient production and market access.
• Foreign Exchange Accessibility – Policies to stabilize the naira and facilitate farmers’ access to foreign exchange for critical imports.
• Global Strategic Partnerships – Collaboration with leading cocoa-producing nations to adopt best practices for industry growth.
• Cocoa-Based Entrepreneurship Promotion – Government and MDAs should partner with the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) to develop youth skills in cocoa-based product manufacturing, such as soap, chocolate, and cocoa powder.
  Source- Tribune

Expert Review for Agri-Food Stakeholders
The cocoa industry in Nigeria is at a crossroads, facing increasing regulatory demands from global markets while grappling with systemic production and value chain challenges. To remain competitive, stakeholders must adopt a multi-pronged approach:

1. Climate-Smart Practices as a Priority
   With the mounting impact of climate change, sustainable cocoa production is no longer optional. The call for increased support to research institutes is critical, as research-driven solutions are necessary for climate adaptation and enhanced yields. Stakeholders must actively collaborate with institutions like CRIN to facilitate farmer education on best practices.
2. EUDR Compliance: A Wake-Up Call for Nigeria’s Cocoa Sector
   The EU’s deforestation regulations will significantly impact Nigeria’s cocoa exports. Without urgent action, smallholder farmers may struggle to access European markets. The proposed land mapping and traceability systems are essential to meeting compliance, but they require both policy backing and private sector involvement.
3. Youth Involvement: The Future of Cocoa Sustainability
   The push to integrate youth in cocoa-related businesses beyond farming is commendable. By encouraging local production of cocoa-based products, Nigeria can increase domestic consumption, reduce reliance on raw bean exports, and boost economic diversification.
4. Finance and Market Access: Key to Growth
   The financial constraints on cocoa farmers, coupled with currency instability, threaten long-term sustainability. Policymakers must create intervention funds and establish mechanisms to facilitate affordable credit for smallholder farmers.
5. Public-Private Partnerships for Sector Revitalization
   The cocoa industry requires structured collaboration between government, private investors, and international partners. Learning from leading cocoa-producing nations, such as Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana, can provide valuable insights into sustainability and export competitiveness.

The National Cocoa Festival has shed light on the urgent need for coordinated action to strengthen Nigeria’s cocoa industry. While government intervention is necessary, private sector engagement and farmer participation will ultimately determine the industry’s trajectory. For Nigeria to secure its place in the global cocoa market, compliance, sustainability, and value addition must be top priorities.”