Osogbo: Many youths in Southwestern States, particularly in Osun, Ondo and Ekiti, are returning to their villages to acquire land for cocoa farming due to the recent surge in the prices of cocoa at the international markets. A survey by the News Agency of Nigeria revealed that youths are leaving other jobs or transitioning from other occupations to take advantage of the higher market value of cocoa beans.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, some of the youths interviewed appealed to the government for support to boost cocoa production. Adekunle Opatoyinbo, a 43-year-old cocoa farmer in Osogbo, shared that he inherited a large cocoa farm from his late father but returned to the village upon realizing the significant rise in cocoa prices. He noted that young men and women, mostly jobless, are now acquiring land for cocoa plantations. However, challenges such as bad weather conditions, pests, and lack of modern equipment remain.
Another young cocoa farmer, Seyi Adegboye, indicated that profits from cocoa farming allowed him to build two houses. Mr. Abimbola Adewole, the General-Secretary of Cocoa Growers Association in the state, confirmed the trend of more youths embracing cocoa farming due to the surge in global prices. Adewole highlighted that even youths in the diaspora are acquiring land for cocoa farming and employing people to manage it.
Alhaji Fatai Seidu, Chairman of Cocoa Growers in Ife East Local Government Area, attributed the increase in cocoa prices to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. Raphael Oladipupo, a young farmer in Ile-Ife, mentioned that the unprecedented rise in cocoa prices has drawn many youths to the business. Oluwatosin Peter, another young cocoa farmer, sees cocoa farming as a lucrative opportunity for income generation, despite challenges like pests and diseases.
In Ondo State, Sadiq Saliu, a farmer with ten years of experience, noted the positive impact of cocoa sales in the 2024 production season on his life. Femi Babatunde, a cocoa merchant, observed that the sharp increase in cocoa prices has attracted young professionals from various fields to cocoa farming. He emphasized the need for sustained youth participation to ensure long-term vitality in the sector.
Mr. Dayo Ogundare, a member of Ondo State Cocoa Council, praised the Federal Government's initiative to establish the National Cocoa Management Board, seeing it as a development that will enhance the cocoa value chain. In Ekiti, Juwon Ogunbiyi, an agricultural expert, noted that young people are returning to village farmlands for cocoa farming due to economic opportunities and government support.
Kayode Obayemi, another agricultural expert, highlighted challenges such as deforestation and climate change affecting cocoa production. Oluropo Dada, a former chairman of All Farmers Association of Nigeria in Ekiti State, appealed for government support to empower crop farmers with cocoa seedlings. Ebenezer Boluwade, Ekiti State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, outlined the state's efforts to regain its status as a leading cocoa producer, including subsidies on cocoa seedlings and partnerships with investors to boost the cocoa value chain.