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Summary
Cocoa farmers in Ondo state demand inclusion in the African Cocoa Agenda 2063.
To safeguard their rights to financial support, training programmes, and active participation in the agricultural sector, particularly in cocoa production, the cocoa farmers in Ondo state have demanded inclusion in the African Cocoa Agenda 2063 during a stakeholder meeting held in Ile-Oluji, Ondo state, during the weekend.
The African Cocoa Agenda 2063 is part of the African Union Agenda 2063. It is a strategic development blueprint for Africa that aims to achieve inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development over a 50-year period. The overall aim of the agenda is to transform Africa into a global powerhouse.
During the meeting, Ms Akinbusola Morohunmubo, the leader of the Association of Women in Trade and Agriculture (AWITA), Cocoa cluster in Ile-Oluji, emphasised that women are involved in all stages of cocoa production, but are often excluded from formal training and support systems.
She noted that women faced many barriers in cocoa production because of a lack of training and exclusion from major decision-making platforms. Hence, if the government is intentional about leveraging the African Cocoa Agenda 2063, then women must be included and supported, she stressed.
In Nigeria, farmers play a significant role in agriculture, serving as strategic drivers in planting, harvesting, food processing, and preservation. They contribute significantly to the country’s GDP, consumption, and national development. Yet, they are often excluded from financial support, training, land benefits, and leadership positions. This reflects deep gender inequality even in the agriculture sector.
