Kwara farms, Cross River govt partner to boost coffee production

The Cross River State Government has sealed a strategic agribusiness partnership with JR Farms, a Kwara-based agricultural firm, to develop a 30,000-hectare coffee plantation across the state’s 18 local government areas within the next five years. This initiative is set to position Cross River as a major coffee production hub in Nigeria, strengthening the country’s presence in the global coffee value chain.

Strategic Vision for Cross River’s Coffee Sector

1. Expanding Nigeria’s Coffee Value Chain: The initiative aims to enhance coffee cultivation, processing, and export potential, creating a structured value chain that supports both smallholder farmers and commercial agribusinesses.
2. Public-Private Collaboration for Agribusiness Growth: JR Farms will work with the Cross River State Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation Development to ensure efficient implementation of the project.
3. Farmer & Stakeholder Engagement: As part of preparatory activities, Olawale Rotimi-Opeyemi, Founder of JR Farms, alongside Hon. Johnson Ebokpo, Cross River Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, visited local communities to engage with farmers and discuss the opportunities within the coffee sector.
4. Government Commitment to Agribusiness: The project was formally presented to the Acting Governor of Cross River State, Dr. Peter Odey, who reaffirmed the government’s commitment to leveraging partnerships for agricultural transformation.
   Source- Tribune

Expert Review for Agri-Food Stakeholders
This initiative presents a significant opportunity to enhance Nigeria’s coffee industry, but certain factors must be addressed for long-term success:

1. Strengthening Coffee Processing & Export Capacity
   While coffee cultivation is vital, processing and export strategies will determine the project’s true impact. Nigeria currently lags in global coffee exports, with countries like Ethiopia and Uganda dominating Africa’s supply. Stakeholders must ensure investment in local processing plants and certification for international coffee markets.
2. Empowering Smallholder Farmers & Value Chain Actors
   For the initiative to be sustainable, local farmers must be integrated into the business model. Providing training on modern coffee farming techniques, access to quality seedlings, and financial support will enhance productivity. A cooperative system could also help farmers secure better pricing and market access.
3. Infrastructure Development & Logistics
   A 30,000-hectare coffee plantation requires substantial infrastructure, including access roads, irrigation systems, and efficient logistics for transporting harvested coffee. Public-private sector collaboration will be essential to overcome logistical challenges and reduce post-harvest losses.
4. Attracting Private Sector Investment & Off-Taker Agreements
   The project should attract agri-investors, coffee buyers, and processing firms to create a stable market for coffee producers. Engaging international coffee brands or establishing a Cross River Coffee Brand could elevate Nigeria’s coffee sector on the global stage.
5. Policy & Regulatory Support for the Coffee Industry
   The Nigerian government should implement policies that support coffee farmers, such as tax incentives for coffee processors, grants for smallholder farmers, and research investments to improve coffee yields and quality.

Conclusion
The Cross River coffee initiative marks a bold step toward revitalizing Nigeria’s coffee industry. If implemented effectively, it could boost economic growth, create jobs, and enhance Nigeria’s share in the global coffee market. However, achieving sustainability will require farmer inclusion, investment in processing, and strong market linkages. This partnership could set the stage for Nigeria’s emergence as a key coffee-producing nation, but only if stakeholders prioritize value chain development and international competitiveness.