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Cocoa farmers: why are they still not seen and not heard?

Chocoa 25: The upcoming Amsterdam Sustainable Cocoa Conference highlights the crucial role farmers play in the supply chain and what can be done to recognise and reward their work

Image shows Nigerian cocoa farmers inspecting their pods.
Nigerian cocoa farmers are receiving support and recognition from the government and private sector. Image: Sunbeth Global Concepts Limited (SGCL)

The cocoa sector is still beset by inequities, which leave its farmers as poor partners in the $130bn global chocolate industry.

A session convened at Chocoa's Cocoa Sustainability Conference in February by Nigeria’s Sunbeth Global Concepts Limited (SGCL) aims to learn more about the disenfranchised men and women struggling to earn a living.

SGCL sustainability director Oyinkansola Owoyemi will join the panel and argue the case for the role of the farmers in the cocoa supply chain, what makes the farmers invisible, the challenges they face, and why the industry should support them.

In an exclusive interview with cocoaradar.com, before heading to Amsterdam, Owoyemi outlined some of the challenges facing Nigeria’s cocoa industry, which is currently the fourth largest producer globally and produced 280,000 MT in the 2023-24 season.

CR: What is Nigeria doing to attract young people to become cocoa farmers?

OO: Nigeria is actively implementing various strategies to attract young people to cocoa farming and revitalize the sector. These initiatives aim to make agriculture more appealing and viable for the younger generation, particularly cocoa farming.

The Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) plays a pivotal role in this effort by derisking the cocoa sector. CRIN has developed eight high-yielding cocoa varieties that can produce between 1.5 to 2.5 tons per hectare. These varieties are disease-resistant and resilient to climate change, ensuring farmers can maintain productivity despite environmental challenges. Additionally, CRIN has developed technologies for packaging these improved varieties, which are now being extended to farmers to enhance their efficiency and yield.

The Nigerian government also focuses on providing young farmers access to land, affordable credit facilities, and modern agricultural training programmes. These measures help reduce young people's barriers when entering the agricultural sector, making cocoa farming a more attractive career choice.

Efforts to improve rural infrastructure, such as roads, healthcare, and educational facilities, are further aimed at creating a conducive environment for young farmers. By investing in these amenities, the government is working to reduce urban migration and ensure that rural areas where cocoa is grown are appealing and supportive for young people.

These government-led initiatives and research advancements from institutions like CRIN are pivotal in attracting young people to cocoa farming, ensuring the sustainability and growth of Nigeria’s cocoa industry for future generations.

CR: What investment levels are needed to replace aging trees and provide farmers access to improved seed varieties?

OO: A significant challenge for cocoa farmers in Nigeria is the prevalence of aging trees in their plantations. This issue has largely stemmed from years of insufficient investment in developing cocoa plantations, partly due to the focus on the oil boom and other economic factors. At Sunbeth, we recognize the challenges of aging cocoa trees, including reduced yields, increased susceptibility to pests and diseases, and diminished incomes for farmers.

Image shows Nigerian cocoa farmers with hybrid seelings to plant on their farms
Sunbeth provides famers with hybrid cocoa seedlings to plant on their farms. Image: Sunbeth

To address these issues, one of our core sustainability initiatives involves providing farmers with hybrid cocoa seedlings. In 2024, we distributed 60,000 hybrid cocoa seedlings across 88 communities in Ondo State and Ikom, Cross River State, reaching 3,000 farmers. Each farmer received an average of 20 seedlings free of charge. These hybrid seedlings are more resistant to pests and diseases, enabling farmers to replace aging trees and significantly increase their yields over time.

Our support extends beyond seedling distribution. We offer regular training sessions to ensure farmers have the knowledge and skills to effectively plant and manage the new trees. Furthermore, our field officers conduct frequent farm visits to provide hands-on guidance and assist with any challenges the farmers may encounter.

This holistic approach, which combines access to improved seed varieties with continuous technical support, empowers farmers to enhance their productivity, resilience, and livelihoods.

CR: How is Sunbeth helping improve farmers’ livelihoods?

OO: Improving farmers’ livelihoods is one of Sunbeth's core priorities. While we do not directly source from farmers, we have implemented several initiatives to ensure that all farmers within our supply chain benefit meaningfully from our operations. For example, one of our key initiatives is providing hybrid cocoa seedlings, which help farmers replace aging trees, boost productivity, and improve their incomes over time.

We also connect farmers to premium markets through our Rainforest Alliance certification programmes, which reward sustainable farming practices with premium prices. These certifications improve farmers’ earnings and encourage long-term environmental and social sustainability.

Image shows a community meeting of Nigerian cocoa farmers.
Sunbeth organizes regular meetings with farmers to discuss ways to improve their income. Image: Sunbeth

Recognizing the unique challenges women face in farming communities, we have launched targeted empowerment programmes to support female farmers and the wives of farmers. Through our economic empowerment initiatives, we provide skills training in areas such as soap making, pastry making, financial management, and business branding. Over the years, these programmes have supported more than 200 women, enabling them to become more economically independent and contribute significantly to their households and local communities.

CR: How is Nigeria coping with the presence/threat of Black Pod disease?

OO: Nigeria is actively taking measures to manage and mitigate the threat of Black Pod disease, a significant challenge for cocoa farmers. Several strategies are being implemented to address this fungal disease, which can cause substantial losses if not properly controlled. The Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) is at the forefront of developing disease-resistant cocoa varieties. These new varieties are more resilient to Black Pod disease, reducing the impact on cocoa yields.

At Sunbeth, we actively support farmers in addressing the presence or threat of Black pod disease through an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach.

Our IPM system emphasizes prevention, monitoring, and targeted intervention, with prevention being the cornerstone. We train farmers to adopt site selection practices that minimize disease risks and provide them access to pest—and disease-resistant hybrid cocoa seedlings. These improved varieties are more resilient to Black Pod and help sustain productivity. Additionally, we emphasize planting trees at appropriate distances to enhance air circulation and reduce dampness, which creates unfavorable conditions for the fungus to thrive.

Monitoring is another key component of our system. Farmers are taught to inspect their farms regularly for early signs of infection and understand that not all instances require intervention. For example, intervention is only recommended when more than 5% of the farm shows signs of disease.

Regular training and field demonstrations are integral to our efforts. For example, we show farmers how pruning improves airflow and reduces dampness, creating less favourable conditions for the fungus. By combining preventive measures, monitoring, and a range of intervention strategies, we continue to empower farmers to manage Black Pod disease effectively, protecting their livelihoods and contributing to the sustainability of cocoa farming in Nigeria.

CR: Global Price Volatility and Dependence on the export market make farmers vulnerable to fluctuations in global cocoa prices. Many farmers struggle with unstable incomes due to these price swings. Does SGCL have a solution?

OO: Sunbeth Global Concepts Limited (SGCL) recognizes the challenges that cocoa farmers face due to global price volatility and dependence on export markets, often resulting in unstable incomes. To mitigate these risks, SGCL has developed several initiatives to support farmers and enhance the resilience of their agricultural practices.

One of our key strategies is providing farmers with high-quality inputs, such as pest-resistant cocoa seedlings and effective pesticides. These inputs are designed to improve the quality and quantity of cocoa yields, ensuring that farmers can maintain productivity despite market fluctuations. By increasing their yield potential, farmers can better withstand periods of lower prices and achieve more stable incomes over time.

Image shows a truck carrying cocoa sacks arriving at a warehouse in Nigeria
Cocoa is delivered to the warehouse ready for export to Europe and other markets. Image: Sunbeth

Additionally, SGCL offers training and support programmes to help farmers adopt sustainable agricultural practices and improve their market access. Our comprehensive approach aims to empower cocoa farmers, reduce their vulnerability to global market changes, and promote long-term economic stability in the farming communities we serve.

CR: Are many Nigerian cocoa farmers excluded from access to better markets and financial support? If True? What is being done to help them by the government or companies like SGCL?

OO: Yes, many Nigerian cocoa farmers face exclusion from access to better markets and financial support due to barriers such as limited access to certifications, low-quality outputs resulting from inadequate post-harvest practices, and insufficient financial literacy. This exclusion often limits their ability to earn fair prices and achieve sustainable livelihoods.

At Sunbeth, we are committed to addressing these challenges and creating opportunities for farmers to thrive. One of our key initiatives is facilitating access to certification programmes, such as Rainforest Alliance certification. This connects farmers to markets where they can earn a premium for adhering to sustainable farming practices. Beyond the financial benefits, the certifications also promote environmentally friendly and socially responsible practices that boost productivity and long-term profitability.

To address insufficient financial literacy, we organize training programmes in local languages to equip farmers with essential financial planning, record-keeping, and practical farm management skills. These programmes empower farmers to understand market dynamics and manage their resources more efficiently.

In regions where we source cocoa, we ensure that our Local Buying Agents (LBAs) have access to financing at the start of the season. This prefunding system enables LBAs to carry out their operations efficiently and meet the needs of the farmers they source from. As a result, this improves the overall efficiency and sustainability of the cocoa supply chain, making farming a more viable and appealing option, especially for young people.

Another critical challenge is the low quality of cocoa outputs, often caused by improper drying, fermentation, and storage practices. To address this, we provide farmers with hands-on training and technical support, teaching them optimal post-harvest techniques. These efforts ensure higher-quality cocoa beans that meet off-takers standards, increasing their marketability and value.

About Sunbeth

About Sunbeth Global Concepts (SGC) is a Nigerian trading company, established in 2017, specializing in the export of raw cocoa beans and cashew nuts.

Oyinkansola Owoyemi has been SGC’s Sustainability Director since 2020. She has driven significant advancements in the company's sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Her approach has transformed the company into a dynamic and agile entity, solidifying its key position in the industry while championing responsible business practices. 

Sunbeth Global Concepts is a Gold Sponsor of the Chocoa 2025 Conference, which includes the Amsterdam Sustainability Conference. The conference will be held from 4 to 9 February at Beurs van Berlage (Conference center), Damrak 361, 1012 ZJ Amsterdam.


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