Cocoa production in Nigeria

Cocoa production in Nigeria refers to the cultivation and harvest of cocoa beans in Nigeria. As the world's fourth largest producer of cocoa, this is a significant part of the country's economy. The Nigerian cocoa industry is segmented into three main sectors: the farming sector, the processing sector, and the exporting sector.

History

Cocoa production in Nigeria dates back to 1874 when it was introduced by the British. The crop was initially grown in the Lagos area, but cultivation quickly spread to other parts of the country. By the 1950s, Nigeria was the world's second largest producer of cocoa.

Production

Cocoa production is largely undertaken by smallholder farmers. The main cocoa-growing states in Nigeria are Ondo, Cross River, and Osun. Other states include Ogun, Akwa Ibom, Edo, Ekiti, and Delta.

Challenges

Despite its potential, cocoa production in Nigeria faces several challenges. These include aging trees, poor farming practices, lack of access to finance, and inadequate infrastructure. In addition, the sector is affected by climate change, pests, and diseases.

Government Initiatives

The Nigerian government has implemented several initiatives to boost cocoa production. These include the National Cocoa Development Committee (NCDC) and the Cocoa Transformation Action Plan (CTAP). The government has also partnered with international organizations such as the World Bank and the African Development Bank to improve the sector.

Economic Impact

Cocoa production plays a significant role in Nigeria's economy. It provides employment for millions of Nigerians and is a major source of foreign exchange earnings. The sector also contributes to the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

See Also

• Agriculture in Nigeria
• Economy of Nigeria
• Cocoa production in Ivory Coast
• Cocoa production in Ghana