SUSTAINABLE CACAO PRODUCTION IN NIGERIA: A REHABILITATION APPROACH

Cocoa (Theobroma cacao) is a major export commodity crop in Nigeria. In global production, Nigeria used to occupy the second leading position. Production has however dwindled over the years majorly due to over dependence on oil. Many of cacao plantations in the major producing areas in Nigeria have gone moribund due to old age of plantations, unimproved planting materials, pests, soil degradation and recently climate change. Research findings by CRIN have addressed some of the factors highlighted above. Coppicing height of 30 cm in the months of November and December have been recommended for the rejuvenation of moribund cacao stands through chupon regeneration; planting of improved cacao seedlings under old and unproductive plantation with the old as shade; replacement of existing unproductive cacao materials through side and top-grafting. Further evaluation for improved success is required for side and top-grafting methods of rehabilitation. Adoption by farmers of the perfected technologies listed above is still low. This calls for research on the determinant factors for the low rate of adoption. In view of the global climate change with its attendant problems of reduced coppicing success, low yield, emerging pests, among others, there is the need for re-evaluation of rehabilitation methods for improvement. Funding constraints have been identified as one of the major factors against effective delivery of the perfected rehabilitation technologies to the farmers, hence the need for support by governmental and non-governmental organizations to bring cocoa production to its sound footing in Nigeria.