Women Cocoa Farmers Seek Gov’t Backing, Inclusion In African Cocoa Agenda 2063

Women cocoa farmers in Ondo State have called on federal and state governments across cocoa-producing regions of South-West Nigeria to create enabling platforms that ensure their inclusion in the African Cocoa Agenda 2063, a continental strategy aimed at revolutionising cocoa farming for Africa’s sustainable development.

Speaking during a stakeholder engagement session organised by the development Research and Projects Centre (dRPC) and the Association of Women in Trade and Agriculture (AWITA), Mrs. Akinbusola Morohunmubo, AWITA Cocoa Cluster Leader in Ile-Oluji, Ondo State, emphasised the critical role women play in the cocoa value chain, from planting to marketing.

The two-day meeting, led by dRPC’s Head of Research and Analysis, Mr. Kareem Abdulrazak, and AWITA National President, Mrs. Ruth Agbo, sought to understand the contributions of women cocoa farmers and assess their environmental conservation practices in Ondo State.

Mrs. Akinbusola highlighted the mounting challenges facing women farmers, including the rising cost of inputs, lack of access to training, exclusion from decision-making platforms, and barriers to environmentally friendly farming practices.

“Women are deeply involved in the full cycle of cocoa production, yet we face systemic barriers that hinder our growth and sustainability. We need government-backed training, market access, and a seat at the policy-making table, especially concerning transformative initiatives like the African Cocoa Agenda 2063,” she said.

The African Cocoa Agenda 2063 is part of the African Union’s broader development blueprint, Agenda 2063, which aims to foster unity, prosperity, and sustainability across the continent. It was adopted during the AU’s 50th anniversary in 2013 as a long-term commitment by African leaders.

Mr. Abdulrazak explained the significance of the agenda to the women farmers, noting that it represents a strategic opportunity to position cocoa as a growth driver for African economies, particularly by empowering women. “We believe mobilizing women as advocacy voices will increase their visibility and ensure they benefit directly from this continental commitment,” he said.

AWITA President, Mrs. Agbo, commended women farmers nationwide for their resilience and ongoing contributions to national economic development. She reiterated AWITA’s commitment to partnering with NGOs and public institutions to enhance women’s capacity in trade and agriculture.

As part of the engagement, the team paid a courtesy visit to the Ondo State Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, where they briefed the Permanent Secretary, Mr. F.O. Tunde Daramola, and senior ministry officials on the objectives of the stakeholder meeting.

The discussions focused on mobilising women cocoa farmers as advocates for increased investment and inclusion in the cocoa value chain, particularly within the context of the African Cocoa Agenda 2063.