Prior to the discovery of crude oil in commercial quantities in the 1970s, Nigeria was the world’s second-largest producer of cocoa.

Unfortunately, Nigeria’s average cocoa production declined from 420,000 tons in the 60s to 170,000 tons in 1999. Production rose to 389,272 tons between 2000 and 2010, but declined to 192,000 tons in 2015 and 2016.

Nigeria dropped to fourth place in the global ranking this period.

However, Nigeria is currently the sixth largest producer of the commodity.

PREMIUM TIMES had reported how the neglect of the sector pushed Nigeria down the global pecking order.

“Cocoa farmers work very hard, often under strenuous conditions, yet don’t earn enough to cover their basic needs,” the FEDCO report added.

Cocoa farmers’ challenges

The report highlights that although the worldwide chocolate market is valued at $103 billion, on average, farmers earn only about 6 per cent of the chocolate industry’s total revenues.

The report said many cocoa farming communities in West Africa lack access to education, potable water, and basic social amenities. “Furthermore, labour practices on cocoa farms are problematic. In a bid to reduce production costs, farmers are inclined towards child labour.

“An estimated 1.56 million children work on cocoa farms in Ghana and Ivory Coast. About 43% of children aged 5-17 in these two countries are engaged in hazardous work, including exposure to agrochemicals without protective equipment, the use of dangerous tools and working at night.

“Despite years of pledges from chocolate manufacturers to end abusive employment practices in their supply chains, there has been a 14 per cent increase in the number of children working in cocoa farms over the past 10 years, accompanied by a 62 per cent rise in production,” the report explained.

SOURCE: PREMIUM TIMES