I grew up in a family that traded in cocoa. At least three generations before me lived on the business of planting, harvesting and exporting cocoa to other countries. Before the oil boom, agriculture used to be the backbone of the Nigerian economy. The exportation of crops like cocoa fuelled Nigeria’s development for decades. The south-western part of Nigeria is a big testament to the cocoa boom of days gone by, most popularly the Cocoa House in Ibadan.
Over the years, Nigerians have watched the decline of the importance of cocoa to the country’s economy. Two major things have affected the production and exportation of cocoa: the oil boom and the increase in urban migration.
The Oil Boom
Since the discovery of oil, Nigeria has quickly progressed to an oil-dependent nation. Like most things typical of African nations, the development of one industry at the expense of another has largely contributed to the dwindling production of cocoa in Nigeria.
Production of oil can perfectly coexist side by side with that of cocoa, with neither affecting the other. If we are to diversify our economy, the government needs to give the agricultural sector the same amount of attention given to crude oil.
Rural to Urban Migration
Be it for the purposes of education or greener pastures, more and more people now live in cities compared to the villages. In Lagos for example, a substantial percentage of residents originate from other states in the country. This has affected agricultural business, and most particularly cocoa. The farm work suffers a lack of manpower. Even for people like us who grew up surrounded by cocoa business; I have to say I’ve never planted cocoa before.
According to a Vanguard news report early this year, Nigeria is expected to realise around N104 billion from the exportation of cocoa in 2014. Urban migration doesn’t have to affect agriculture, and education should also be used to improve the industry. Continuous research and advancement in technology should give an edge in the improvement of the agricultural sector to enable it bring in foreign investments the same way crude oil does.
About the author: Amina Salau is a writer and editor running The Illuminated Pen. You can find her online at www.theilluminatedpen.com and on Twitter (@_Aminah)
