Cocoa is one of Nigeria’s major non-oil export commodities contributing significantly to rural development, revenue earnings and overall socioeconomic development. Initially (starting from the 1870s) farmers in southwestern states such as Ondo, Ogun, Osun, and Oyo cultivated cocoa on a relatively small scale. Due in large part to visionary leadership by Obafemi Awolowo, a prominent Nigerian political leader, by the early 20th century, cocoa farming and processing had expanded and cocoa became a crucial export crop for Nigeria. We were for a while a major player in the global cocoa market but in spite of rich historical success and what seemed to be promising prospects for the cocoa sector, Nigeria’s relevance diminished, resulting in missed opportunities.  

It is possible (maybe even likely) that climate change contributes to the decline, but it is also apparent that challenges such as poor access to credit facilities, agricultural inputs, and agricultural extension services have hindered farmers’ ability to improve and expand cocoa production. Pests and diseases are another potential influencing factor. It is also possible that price fluctuations and uncertainties in the global cocoa market contributes to the slip in Nigeria’s position in global rankings, but that though plausible, is an excuse for the Nigerian government and the so-called experts who manage the sector, and I am unwilling to indulge them today. Outlining and discussing Nigeria’s woes in any form or factors that have contributed to the prevalent woes make for a gloomy writing experience, and so, I will skip that part where the problems should be parsed and jump right into what I think we could do.

I feel that first, thorough academic and industrial research documenting the trends in productivity decline and factors responsible for or that have contributed to the decline is desirable. I also believe that the Nigerian government can and should implement tangible policies and initiatives to support cocoa production and commerce. These initiatives should be designed to address specific challenges in the cocoa industry; one of many good reasons why it is important to properly understand the peculiar challenges the sector is experiencing. Other potentially relevant efforts to improve productivity may include research on disease-resistant cocoa varieties, provision of extension services and relevant programs such as those that can potentially enhance farmers’ access to required agricultural provisions and credit. Infrastructural development including agricultural machinery, transport and storage facilities, as well as processing technologies are also likely to be useful.

I have read some place (or several places in fact), that government initiatives and programs have over time offered some of the above-mentioned facilities, but such pieces are likely written by sycophants hired to launder the government’s reputation and I think right-thinking Nigerians should ignore such narratives. We must ensure that creative people who can quantitively decide the relevance of cocoa productivity on Nigeria’s development agenda and implement relevant policies and programs to improve the competitiveness of Nigerian cocoa in the global market are appointed to manage the sector. Cocoa continues to be a valuable cash crop as it is used to produce chocolate and other confectionery. A thriving cocoa sector represents immense economic potential, and we should make the best of this lucrative market.

Some of you are brilliant economists or agricultural specialists and I anticipate comments and suggestions from you.