EVALUATION OF COCOA RESUSCITATION PROGRAMMES IN SOUTHWEST NIGERIA

EVALUATION OF COCOA RESUSCITATION PROGRAMMES IN SOUTHWEST NIGERIA

ABSTRACT

The persistent decline in cocoa productivity in Nigeria has generated serious concern among policymakers, agricultural development agencies, and stakeholders within the cocoa value chain. In response to the dwindling performance of the cocoa sub-sector, several government and non-governmental interventions were introduced to revitalize cocoa production, improve farmers’ livelihoods, and restore Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global cocoa market. This study evaluates the effectiveness of Cocoa Resuscitation Programmes (CRPs) implemented in Southwest Nigeria with emphasis on their impact on cocoa production, technology adoption, and the socio-economic well-being of cocoa farmers. Specifically, the study examines farmers’ adoption of improved cocoa technologies, beneficiaries’ perception of programme effectiveness, constraints affecting programme implementation, and strategies for enhancing the sustainability of cocoa rehabilitation initiatives. The study adopts a mixed-method research approach involving structured questionnaires, interviews, and field observations among cocoa farmers across selected cocoa-producing states in Southwest Nigeria. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical tools. Findings from the study revealed that the resuscitation programmes contributed positively to improved access to hybrid seedlings, agrochemicals, extension services, and training on modern cocoa management practices. Beneficiary farmers recorded improved farm productivity, income generation, and better livelihood conditions compared to non-beneficiaries. However, challenges such as inadequate funding, poor extension coverage, high cost of farm inputs, ageing plantations, labour shortages, and weak institutional coordination limited the full realization of programme objectives. The study concludes that cocoa resuscitation initiatives have significant potential for transforming the cocoa sector when supported with effective policy implementation, sustainable financing, and farmer-centered extension services. The study recommends increased investment in cocoa rehabilitation programmes, improved access to rural credit, enhanced training on climate-smart cocoa production, and stronger collaboration among government agencies, private organizations, and cocoa farmers’ associations to ensure sustainable cocoa development in Nigeria.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Agriculture remains one of the most strategic sectors in the economic development of many developing countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where a significant proportion of the population depends on farming for livelihood and income generation. In Nigeria, agriculture has historically contributed substantially to employment creation, food security, rural development, and foreign exchange earnings. Before the discovery of crude oil, agricultural commodities such as cocoa, palm produce, cotton, and groundnut constituted the backbone of the Nigerian economy (Federal Republic of Nigeria, 2006).

Among Nigeria’s major export crops, cocoa occupies a prominent position due to its economic, industrial, and social relevance. Cocoa production provides employment opportunities for millions of rural households through farming, processing, transportation, marketing, and exportation activities. Nigeria remains one of the leading cocoa-producing countries in Africa alongside Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Cameroon (International Cocoa Organization [ICCO], 2021). The cocoa industry contributes significantly to national revenue generation and rural livelihood sustainability.

Historically, cocoa production in Nigeria dates back to the late nineteenth century when the crop was introduced for commercial cultivation. The Southwestern region, particularly Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Ekiti, and Ogun States, became the major cocoa-producing belt in the country due to favorable climatic and ecological conditions. During the 1950s and early 1960s, cocoa accounted for a substantial proportion of Nigeria’s export earnings and played a critical role in financing infrastructural development and regional economic growth (Ogunleye & Oladeji, 2007).

Despite its economic importance, cocoa production in Nigeria experienced significant decline from the late 1970s onward. The emergence of the petroleum sector shifted government attention away from agriculture, resulting in reduced investment in cocoa production and agricultural extension services. Other factors contributing to the decline included ageing cocoa plantations, poor access to improved planting materials, pest and disease infestations, low producer prices, inadequate credit facilities, weak research-extension linkages, and labour shortages (Daramola, 2004; Oduwole, 2004).

Studies have shown that many cocoa plantations in Southwest Nigeria are over 30 to 40 years old and characterized by declining productivity and low yield performance (Adeogun, 2008). Additionally, poor adoption of modern agronomic practices, climate variability, land degradation, and inadequate market incentives have further constrained cocoa production. These challenges negatively affected Nigeria’s position in the global cocoa market and reduced the contribution of cocoa exports to national economic development.

In response to the declining fortunes of the cocoa sub-sector, both governmental and non-governmental organizations initiated several cocoa rehabilitation and resuscitation programmes aimed at revitalizing cocoa production in Nigeria. One of the major interventions was the establishment of the Cocoa Resuscitation Programme (CRP) by the Federal Government of Nigeria in 1999 under the coordination of the National Cocoa Development Committee (NCDC). The programme was designed to improve cocoa productivity through the distribution of improved seedlings, subsidized agrochemicals, training on modern cocoa management practices, and rehabilitation of ageing cocoa farms (Federal Government of Nigeria, 2007).

The Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) also played a major role in supporting cocoa rehabilitation efforts through research and dissemination of improved cocoa varieties resistant to pests and diseases. The institute developed enhanced agronomic technologies aimed at increasing productivity, improving soil fertility management, and promoting sustainable cocoa farming systems (CRIN, 2006).

In addition to government interventions, private organizations and development partners such as Olam Nigeria Limited (ONL), Sustainable Tree Crops Programme (STCP), and Saro Agro-Allied Limited became actively involved in cocoa development initiatives. These organizations introduced farmer training programmes, demonstration farms, extension support services, cooperative development, and market linkage opportunities to improve cocoa productivity and quality standards (Akinnagbe, 2008).

The increasing emphasis on agricultural transformation, export diversification, and sustainable rural development has renewed interest in assessing the effectiveness of these cocoa resuscitation programmes. Evaluation studies are essential for determining the extent to which intervention programmes achieve their intended objectives and contribute meaningfully to farmers’ welfare and agricultural productivity (Alkin, 1990). Programme evaluation also provides evidence-based insights for policy formulation, programme redesign, and efficient resource allocation.

Given the strategic importance of cocoa production to Nigeria’s agricultural economy and the significant investments committed to cocoa rehabilitation programmes over the years, there is a compelling need to critically evaluate the impact of these interventions on cocoa farmers in Southwest Nigeria. Such evaluation will provide useful information on the successes, limitations, and sustainability of cocoa resuscitation initiatives in the region.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The cocoa sector in Nigeria has continued to face numerous production and marketing challenges despite various intervention programmes introduced by government agencies and private organizations. Although several cocoa rehabilitation initiatives were established to revitalize the industry, evidence suggests that cocoa productivity in Nigeria remains below its potential when compared with leading cocoa-producing countries such as Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire (ICCO, 2021).

One of the major concerns is the inconsistent growth pattern in cocoa output despite years of investment in cocoa resuscitation programmes. Many cocoa farmers still operate on ageing plantations with limited access to improved seedlings, modern production technologies, extension services, and affordable agricultural credit. In addition, the high cost of farm inputs, climate-related risks, pest infestations, poor rural infrastructure, and unstable market prices continue to undermine cocoa production efficiency.

Furthermore, while government agencies and private organizations claim significant achievements in cocoa rehabilitation, there is limited empirical evidence on the actual effectiveness of these interventions in improving farmers’ productivity and socio-economic conditions. Questions also remain regarding the level of farmers’ adoption of improved cocoa technologies promoted under these programmes and the extent to which beneficiaries perceive the programmes as beneficial and sustainable.

Another major concern relates to the institutional and operational constraints affecting programme implementation. Weak monitoring systems, inadequate extension personnel, inconsistent policy implementation, poor coordination among stakeholders, and insufficient funding may have reduced the overall effectiveness of cocoa resuscitation efforts in the study area.

Consequently, there is a need for a comprehensive evaluation of cocoa resuscitation programmes in Southwest Nigeria to determine their impact on cocoa production, technology adoption, and farmers’ livelihoods. This study therefore seeks to provide answers to the following research questions:

What is the level of adoption of improved cocoa technologies among farmers participating in cocoa resuscitation programmes?

How do beneficiary farmers perceive the effectiveness of cocoa rehabilitation agencies and intervention activities?

What impact have cocoa resuscitation programmes had on cocoa productivity and the socio-economic status of cocoa farmers?

What constraints hinder the adoption of improved cocoa technologies among farmers?

What challenges affect the effective implementation of cocoa resuscitation programmes in Southwest Nigeria?

What strategies can enhance the sustainability and effectiveness of cocoa rehabilitation programmes?

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The broad objective of this study is to evaluate cocoa resuscitation programmes in Southwest Nigeria.

The specific objectives are to:

examine the level of adoption of improved cocoa technologies introduced through cocoa resuscitation programmes;

assess farmers’ perception of the effectiveness of agencies implementing cocoa rehabilitation initiatives;

determine the impact of cocoa resuscitation programmes on cocoa productivity and farmers’ socio-economic conditions;

identify constraints affecting the adoption of improved cocoa production technologies;

examine the challenges associated with the implementation of cocoa resuscitation programmes; and

identify strategies for improving the effectiveness and sustainability of cocoa rehabilitation programmes in Southwest Nigeria.

1.4 Research Hypotheses

The following null hypotheses will guide the study:

There is no significant relationship between farmers’ socio-economic characteristics and adoption of improved cocoa technologies.

There is no significant difference between the socio-economic conditions of beneficiary and non-beneficiary cocoa farmers.

There is no significant relationship between farmers’ perception of cocoa resuscitation programmes and their level of technology adoption.

1.5 Significance of the Study

The findings of this study will be valuable to several stakeholders within the agricultural and cocoa value chain. Policymakers and government agencies will benefit from empirical evidence regarding the effectiveness of cocoa rehabilitation programmes and areas requiring policy improvement. The study will also assist development organizations and donor agencies in designing more sustainable intervention strategies aimed at improving cocoa productivity and rural livelihoods.

Extension agents and agricultural development practitioners will gain insights into the factors influencing farmers’ adoption of improved cocoa technologies, thereby improving extension delivery and farmer education programmes. Cocoa farmers will benefit from recommendations that could enhance access to improved inputs, credit facilities, training opportunities, and market support services.

Additionally, the study will contribute to academic literature on agricultural intervention programmes, rural development, and technology adoption in Nigeria. It will serve as a reference material for future researchers, scholars, and students interested in agricultural policy evaluation, cocoa production systems, and rural livelihood studies.

1.6 Scope of the Study

The study focuses on the evaluation of cocoa resuscitation programmes implemented in Southwest Nigeria. It specifically examines the activities of government and non-governmental organizations involved in cocoa rehabilitation and assesses their impact on cocoa farmers in selected cocoa-producing states within the region. The study covers issues relating to technology adoption, farmers’ perception, socio-economic impact, implementation challenges, and strategies for programme improvement.

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