The Nigerian cocoa industry, once a global cocoa powerhouse in the sixties, suffered a major decline for years due to the discovery of oil coupled with negligence by government and stakeholders in the sector. But now, it’s on a redemption path, thanks to increasing demand for Nigerian cocoa in the global market.
However, at its current stage, it struggles to maximize its potential, providing value that pales in comparison to the other major cocoa exporters, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Ecuador.
The Nigerian cocoa industry’s underperformance is the result of several long-standing issues that have gone unaddressed. These include unsustainable farming practices, continued use of inefficient production techniques and tools, lack of an enabling environment and amenities, insufficient government interest or support, and the continuous deterioration of existing cocoa plantations.
Despite the recent renewed interest in Nigerian cocoa, the industry continues to face significant challenges that prevent it from reaching its full potential. The declining number of cocoa plantations, driven by aging trees, soil degradation, and climate change, severely impacts annual production and, in turn, the industry’s profitability.
However, there is hope for the future of Nigerian cocoa exports. While it remains the country’s largest agricultural export, with the right strategies and investments, the industry has the potential to become Nigeria’s leading export commodity overall.
Achieving this will be a significant feat requiring a lengthy planning and execution phase that starts with revitalizing the industry from the ground up—from the farms to the point of export. To revitalize production and increase yields, Nigeria must begin implementing regenerative cocoa farming.
What is Regenerative Cocoa Farming?
Regenerative cocoa farming is the deliberate and continuous application of agricultural best practices aimed at producing cocoa sustainably while boosting productivity.
These practices foster healthier and more biodiverse plantations through afforestation, organic pest control, and techniques that enhance soil health and cocoa yields, all while positively impacting the environment.
The Potential Impacts of Regenerative Cocoa Farming
Environmental Sustainability Traditional cocoa farming practices have often led to soil degradation, biodiversity loss, and climate change. Farmers frequently adopt these methods for their immediate benefits, overlooking the long-term consequences for the industry.
In contrast, regenerative farming emphasizes sustainable and eco-friendly agriculture. It serves both as a preventive strategy to safeguard the environment from the harmful effects of farming and as a restorative approach to repairing environmental damage.
Techniques such as agroforestry, cover cropping, and composting not only improve soil health but also reduce the reliance on chemical fertilizers, fostering a more resilient ecosystem.
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Image Copyright: TMA
Economic Benefits
The economic benefits of regenerative farming are closely tied to its environmental advantages and are often long-term.
By restoring the environment, regenerative farming contributes to improved cocoa yields and quality. These improvements help attract premium prices in the global market and increase the value of Nigerian cocoa.
These benefits are exemplified in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana, where farmers consistently practice regenerative cocoa farming with the support of the government and relevant stakeholders. It’s no surprise that these two countries have led the world in cocoa export volumes for several years.
Social Impact
The social benefits of regenerative farming are closely linked to its economic advantages. By adopting regenerative practices, producers can contribute to the broader socio-economic development of their communities and improve living standards in farming areas.
Increased production results in higher income, allowing farmers better access to education, healthcare, and other essential services, thereby driving societal progress. Additionally, with improved financial stability, farmers can afford to hire labor, reducing the need for child labor and ensuring compliance with sustainable cocoa production regulations.
Implementation Strategies for Regenerative Cocoa Farming in Nigeria
Soil Health Restoration
Soil health restoration is key in regenerative cocoa farming; the better the soil condition, the better it can help cocoa trees produce excellent fruits. Techniques like cover cropping, composting, agroforestry, and the use of organic fertilizers are excellent for improving soil conditions.
In particular, agroforestry, which integrates trees and other plants into cocoa plantations, helps replenish nutrients, enhance soil fertility, and prevent erosion. Organic fertilizers also have a similar effect and can provide more rapid results.
Image Copyright: To’ak Chocolate
Biodiversity Enhancement
Maintaining healthy biodiversity is crucial in regenerative cocoa farming, as it contributes to pest mitigation and a thriving plant ecosystem. Implementing techniques such as crop rotation, intercropping, and native vegetation preservation helps boost biodiversity on cocoa farms.
In addition to improving ecosystem health, biodiversity enhancement also provides farmers with avenues to earn additional income through the cultivation of complementary crops.
Water Conservation
The recent cocoa price hike resulted from a drop in cocoa supply from West Africa due to poor yields. Farms in this region recorded poor yields earlier this year because of insufficient rainfall, diseases, and other climatic factors that affected several plantations. This highlights the importance of sufficient water supply in cocoa production.
Fortunately, regenerative farming integrates water conservation techniques such as efficient irrigation systems, rainwater harvesting, and the use of mulch to retain soil moisture. Implementing these practices in cocoa farming can help ensure consistent cocoa production even in the face of climate change.
Stakeholders Involvement
The transition from traditional practices to regenerative farming requires the collective effort of farmers, brokers, LBAs, distributors, and government agencies. Working together, these actors should share knowledge, resources, and best practices for effectively implementing new sustainable cocoa farming techniques.
While it’s the farmer’s responsibility to implement the strategies, LBAs, distributors, and government agencies must provide the necessary training, financial, and technical support to aid the farmers.
Final Thoughts
As Nigerian cocoa gains increasing attention in global markets, regenerative cocoa farming offers a valuable opportunity to enhance both sustainability and profitability. Practices like agroforestry, cover cropping, and water conservation will contribute to restoring farmlands, improving cocoa yields, and overall production enhancements for farmers. At Sunbeth Global Concepts, we are committed to consistently engaging our cocoa farmers’ group and providing them with the resources they need to implement sustainable farming practices and boost their outputs.
