SUSTAINABLE CACAO PRODUCTION IN NIGERIA: A REHABILITATION APPROACH | Journal of Global Agriculture

Cocoa (Theobroma cacao) is Nigeria's most important export crop. Nigeria used to be the second-largest producer on the global stage. However, due to an over-reliance on oil, production has decreased over time. Many cocoa plants in Nigeria's primary producing areas have died of old age, unimproved planting materials, pests, soil deterioration, and, most recently, climate change. Some of the factors mentioned above have been addressed in CRIN research findings. For the rejuvenation of moribund cacao stands through chupon regeneration, planting of improved cacao seedlings under old and unproductive plantations with the old as shade, and replacement of existing unproductive cacao materials through side and top-grafting, coppicing heights of 30 cm have been recommended in the months of November and December. For side and top-grafting methods of rehabilitation, more research is needed to increase success. Farmers' use of the above-mentioned refined technology is still modest. This necessitates further investigation into the factors that contribute to the low adoption rate. In light of global climate change and its associated issues such as diminished coppicing success, low yield, and emergent pests, among others, rehabilitation methods must be re-evaluated for improvement. Funding restrictions have been cited as one of the primary impediments to efficient delivery of the improved restoration methods to farmers, necessitating the necessity for governmental and non-governmental groups to assist in restoring cocoa output in Nigeria.

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