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Whether you prefer sweet and velvety smooth milk chocolate, rich and creamy white chocolate, or the slightly bitter yet decadent dark variety , chocolate has been a popular food for over three thousand years. In fact, according to Statista’s chocolate industry statistics and facts, approximately 4.7 million tons of […]
Summary: The Nigerian cocoa industry has experienced significant growth in the past decade, with an average annual output of 250,000 metric tonnes, surpassing previous decades. Factors contributing to this success include increased participation of international sector players, a growing demand for high-quality cocoa, and improved quality assurance measures implemented by exporters and processors. However, the public sector has not been actively involved, resulting in a lack of coordination and overlapping responsibilities among various government agencies. Challenges in the cocoa industry include aging farmers and trees, limited access to financial services and market power for farmers, climate change impacts, pests and diseases, and inadequate funding for research and development. The government’s performance in supporting cocoa farming, production, and export is rated average due to a lack of inter-agency cooperation. To maximize the country’s cocoa potential, there is a need for increased government support, including policies to encourage local consumption, promote value addition before exporting, and leverage technology in the cocoa industry. With proper rehabilitation of existing cocoa farms, private sector investments, and dedicated policies, Nigeria has the potential to strengthen its position in cocoa production and tap into the future opportunities it offers.