Nigeria’s efforts to develop a sustainable cocoa supply chain have received a boost through collaborative efforts with stakeholders and the US government. The US Traceability and Resilience in Agriculture and Cocoa Ecosystems of Nigeria (TRACE) project, implemented by Lutheran World Relief, has approved a $22 million five-year development program aimed at improving various aspects of the cocoa industry.
The five-year program encompasses key areas such as traceability, climate-smart practices, support for smallholder farmers, capacity building along the value chain, and exports. The goal is to position Nigeria to overtake major cocoa producers like Ivory Coast and Ghana in terms of sustainable cocoa cultivation.
Adeola Adegoke, the national president of the Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria, expressed optimism about the TRACE project’s potential impact. He called on the European Union (EU) to recognize Nigeria as a cocoa origin country and take proactive steps to address cocoa sustainability challenges. Adegoke also highlighted the importance of resuscitating the Nigeria Cocoa Board as part of the initiative.
Nigeria aims to restore its former status as a significant cocoa producer. In the past, the country was known for producing high-quality cocoa beans with excellent flavor and aroma. By implementing effective policies and initiatives like the TRACE project, Nigeria aims to regain its position as a leading cocoa producer.
Ivory Coast and Ghana, two leading cocoa producers, have been making progress in ending deforestation and improving sustainability practices in preparation for stricter EU sustainability laws. The EU plans to ban unsustainable cocoa beans from entering international markets by 2025. Both countries have made significant strides in traceability and sustainability, setting a precedent for other cocoa-producing nations.
Currently ranked fourth in cocoa production, Nigeria produces about 2.2 million metric tons (MT) of cocoa, trailing behind Ivory Coast, Ghana, and Indonesia. The country aims to increase its cocoa production to 500,000 MT by 2024. The cocoa industry contributes significantly to Nigeria’s economy, generating around $700 million annually from cocoa bean exports.
Stakeholders in the Nigerian cocoa industry are taking proactive measures to address challenges such as child labor, deforestation, traceability, and the use of unapproved or banned pesticides. The TRACE project and the revival of the Nigeria Cocoa Board are steps toward ensuring a sustainable and thriving cocoa sector in the country.
