Cocoa Farming as a Profitable Business in Nigeria: What You Need to Know

Cocoa farming is one of Nigeria’s most lucrative agribusiness ventures, with strong local and international demand. As one of the top cocoa-producing countries in the world, Nigeria provides an ideal environment for cultivating this valuable crop. However, starting a successful cocoa farm requires proper planning, the right techniques, and long-term investment. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to establishing a profitable cocoa farm in Nigeria

Understanding Cocoa Farming and Market Potential

Before starting a cocoa farm, it’s essential to understand the business and market dynamics:

Cocoa is a tropical crop grown primarily in Ondo, Osun, Ogun, Ekiti, Edo, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom States in Nigeria.
Nigeria ranks among the top five cocoa producers globally, with most of its cocoa exported to Europe, Asia, and North America.
Cocoa prices fluctuate based on global demand, weather conditions, and government policies, making it essential to stay informed.

Cocoa farming is a long-term investment—it takes about 3–5 years for trees to mature and start producing beans, but once established, a cocoa plantation can remain productive for 25–30 years.

1. Adopt Modern Cocoa Farming Techniques

Traditional cocoa farming methods often result in low yields and poor-quality beans. To increase productivity and profits, farmers should adopt modern farming techniques such as:

A. Use High-Yield Hybrid Cocoa Varieties

The traditional cocoa varieties in Nigeria take 5–7 years to mature, but modern hybrid varieties start producing in just 2–3 years and have a higher yield per hectare. Recommended high-yield varieties include:

CRIN Hybrid Cocoa (from the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria).
TC1 and TC2 Cocoa Varieties (highly resistant to pests and diseases).

These improved varieties can increase yield from 300 kg to 800 kg per hectare—a significant boost in revenue.

CRIN (Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria) are recommended. These varieties such as CRIN TC-8 mature faster (within 3 years), resistant to pest and diseases, and produce higher yields than traditional ones.

Below are images of CRIN TC-8 VARIETY OF COCOA , you can contact us at El-emet Agro to get your seedlings

B. Practice Proper Farm Management

To ensure high yields and healthy cocoa trees, farmers must:

Regularly prune cocoa trees to remove diseased branches and improve airflow.
Use organic manure and fertilizers to improve soil fertility.
Apply proper irrigation techniques during dry seasons to maintain consistent growth.
Ensure proper pest and disease control to prevent yield loss.

2. Improve Cocoa Processing and Quality Control

The price of cocoa beans depends on quality, and buyers are willing to pay a premium for properly processed cocoa.

A. Follow Best Practices for Harvesting and Processing

Harvest cocoa pods at the right time (when pods turn yellow or orange).
Ferment cocoa beans properly (5–7 days using wooden boxes or banana leaves).
Sun-dry cocoa beans for 7–10 days until moisture content is around 7%.
Store beans in jute bags in a cool, dry place to prevent mold and contamination.

B. Meet International Standards

Buyers in Europe and North America demand cocoa with low cadmium levels and proper fermentation.
Farmers can participate in certification programs such as Fairtrade, UTZ, and Rainforest Alliance to access premium prices.

Proper processing and certification can increase the price of cocoa from ₦1,500/kg to ₦3,500/kg or more.

3. Diversify Income Through Value Addition

Instead of selling raw cocoa beans, farmers can process cocoa into semi-finished or finished products for higher profits.

A. Processing Cocoa Into Value-Added Products

Cocoa Butter – Used in chocolate production and cosmetics.
Cocoa Powder – For beverages and food production.
Chocolate Production – Nigeria imports most of its chocolate, creating an opportunity for local producers.

Selling processed cocoa products can increase profits by 50–100% compared to selling raw beans.

4. Explore Export Markets for Better Prices

Cocoa is a major export crop for Nigeria, and selling to international markets can be more profitable than selling locally. Cocoa is expected to trade at 14526 USD/MT before the end of the year.

A. How to Export Cocoa from Nigeria

Register with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) to obtain an export license.
Meet international cocoa standards (fermentation, drying, storage).
Connect with buyers in Europe, Asia, and America through trade fairs, online platforms, and cocoa export companies.
Use proper export logistics to ship cocoa efficiently.

B. Export Platforms and Cocoa Buyers

Farmers can sell cocoa through:

Export companies (e.g., Olam, Tulip Cocoa, AgroEknor).
Online marketplaces (e.g., Alibaba, Trade Nigeria).
International trade fairs (e.g., Cocoa & Chocolate Expo).

Exporting cocoa beans can increase earnings by 30–50% compared to local sales.

5. Join Cocoa Farmers’ Cooperatives for Better Market Access

A. Benefits of Joining a Cocoa Cooperative

Better bargaining power – Farmers get higher prices by selling in bulk.
Access to funding and grants – Cooperatives receive government loans and agricultural support.
Training and support – Members learn modern cocoa farming techniques.

B. Notable Cocoa Cooperatives in Nigeria

Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria (CFAN)
Ondo State Cocoa Farmers Cooperative
Nigeria Cocoa Growers Association (NCGA)

Farmers in cooperatives often earn 15–25% more than independent farmers due to better pricing and reduced costs.

Conclusion

Cocoa farming in Nigeria is a profitable long-term investment, but success depends on adopting modern farming techniques, improving processing quality, and exploring export markets.

Farmers can maximize profit by Choosing the right cocoa seedlings is crucial for a successful plantation. The CRIN TC-8 is the best choice for maximum yield and profitability. Always buy from reputable sources like EL-EMET AGRO CONSULTANCY , and follow proper planting techniques to ensure healthy growth. At EL-EMET AGRO CONSULTANCY we can help set up your cocoa plantation wherever your farm is located in Nigeria, just give us a call today at 07042043835.