After the production of PMS, cocoa production is imminent and important to Nigeria’s economy. Cocoa has remained over the years, a valuable crop and major foreign exchange earner among other agricultural commodity exports of the Nigerian economy.
You cannot ignore cocoa while talking about our history as a nation. This is speaking in terms of total production. Cocoa has a foreign exchange earning capacity and a vast income generating ability. Cocoa was the most important agricultural export crop during 1960-1970, contributing significantly to the foreign exchange earnings of the country. The production increased gradually to 308,000 metric tons in 1970/71.
In fact, one of our earliest monuments was the construction of the tallest Cocoa House in Ibadan. It was once the tallest building in tropical Africa with 105 meters height. This building, completed in 1965, brought fame to our beloved nation.
Our grandfathers and fathers toiled on Cocoa fields to become top influential policies and decision makers. However, with the introduction of the petrol-dollar economy that dominated our society in the early 1970’s, the rural urban migration and the brainwashing of white collar jobs offer, there has been a noticeable dearth of cocoa production and exportation.
Well, suddenly the people in power have noticed that Nigeria has dropped from the fourth global cocoa producing company to the seventh company. President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed regrets over the neglect of the cocoa sector over the years. Former President Obasanjo had been involved in a structural adjustment policy for Cocoa, yet we can still observe the decline.
While it is good that recognition has been given to other non-oil sectors by trying to reposition cocoa sub sector, there are steps to develop the sector.
According to Fadipe et al, 2012, there are several solutions to increase the production of cocoa,
- The government should come up with programs aimed at improving farm size by encouraging large size jointly owned cooperative commercial farms. More programs should be held to develop awareness to the subsector.
- Credits should be made available at no or little interest, provision of basic amenities in the rural areas and development of locally made farm machinery at affordable prices through the National Centre for Agricultural Mechanization should be given priority attention.
- The government should ensure effective dissemination of scientific and social information to encourage the use of modern techniques by the farmers in cocoa production.
- The training of more extension agents who will provide the farmers with needed technology improvements and facilities should be given appropriate attention and consideration by the government.
In a generation like ours, here are steps to assist with generating support in Youth’s involvement towards Cocoa production and engagement in other aspects of the industry.
- The youths should be enlightened to endear themselves to the benefits of cocoa production.
- The use of social media to garner support and create publicity campaigns for the sub-sector should be made.
- The creation of loans and financial grants to be given to young Nigerians interested in developing the sector.
- Lands should be made available for easy access to cultivate and own farmlands.
- Since Cocoa is a perennial crop, it is best to encourage sustained interest as many young individuals lose interest once they discover it does not generate the talked about revenue.
- There are several things that can be generated from cocoa and thus, young people can engage themselves in such areas.
