Stakeholders in the coffee, cocoa, and oil palm industries convened in Calabar, Cross River State, to confirm strategic development plans aimed at enhancing productivity and generating revenue for smallholder farmers and the state government.
Following its establishment by Governor Bassey Otu in March 2024, the committee was tasked with creating a 7-year strategic plan for the cocoa and oil palm value chains and developing a roadmap for cocoa, palm oil and coffee production in the state, among other objectives.
During the meeting, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Johnson Ebokpo, emphasised the significant potential of cocoa, coffee, and oil palm as sources of foreign exchange, rural development, poverty alleviation, and food security.
He stressed the need for a coordinated approach to address challenges along the entire value chain while embracing innovation and sustainability.
Ebokpo remarked that the draft 7-year strategic development plan represents extensive consultations and thorough research. He referred to it as not merely a roadmap but a visionary strategy to maximise the benefits of these essential crops through a value chain model that prioritises productivity, sustainability, and market competitiveness.
He asserted, “The success of this strategic plan depends on the commitment of everyone here, from policymakers to private sector representatives, researchers to farmers. Each of us plays a role in transforming these sectors into drivers of growth and prosperity.”
The meeting’s purpose was to validate the plan, ensuring it reflects the realities on the ground and incorporates insights from those directly engaged in the value chain. He called on participants to engage fully, provide constructive input, and ensure the final plan is strong, implementable, and aligned with shared goals.
Chairperson of the Multistakeholder Committee, Prof. Susan Ohen recognised the crucial contributions of stakeholders in achieving the plan’s objectives and highlighted its importance to Cross River State’s economy.
Ohen elaborated on the rationale behind the strategic plans, stating they would aid in increasing foreign exchange earnings, generate job opportunities across the value chains, boost government revenue, and help meet emerging global market standards such as EURD, while also promoting gender inclusion and addressing industry challenges.
“This meeting will help us identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats within these sectors. The outcomes of this process will impact farmers, processors, marketers, banks, and the government,” she noted.
She encouraged stakeholders to thoroughly review the draft documents to finalize a plan that aims to develop a sustainable cash crop economy by 2031.
Meanwhile, Godwin Okwu, National Secretary of the Cocoa Association of Nigeria, pointed out that Cross River State should not be viewed as impoverished, given its suitable land for cultivating cocoa, palm oil, and coffee. He expressed optimism that rural-urban migration would decrease as many youths find stability through farming.
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