Sustainable Tree Crops Program - Nigeria
Project Dates: Pilot Phase: 2003-2006, Phase II: 2007-2011
Country: Nigeria
Funders: US Agency for International Development, World Cocoa Foundation and industry, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development/National Cocoa Development Committee
Implementers: International Institute for Tropical Agriculture and national partners
Overview
Decades of underinvestment in the tree crop sector affected the rural economy of the tree crops belt of Nigeria. Cocoa, a major export-oriented cash crop, suffered a serious setback. From 2003-2006, STCP-Nigeria worked with national partners to demonstrate innovative approaches to improving the productivity of cocoa farms in an environmentally friendly and socially responsible manner. This was accomplished through farmer training using the Farmer Field School approach, and strengthening of farmer organizations for effective member services and profitable trade engagements. STCP-Nigeria Phase II seeks to improve economic and social well-being of smallholder tree crop farmers by building on its prior successes and promoting a resilient and supportive policy environment.
Program Objectives:
- To enhance productivity of cocoa farms in an environmentally and socially responsible manner
- To improve marketing efficiency in the cocoa sector
- To promote income alternatives in cocoa farming communities
- To promote improvement in policy environment for effective transformation of the rural economy
Progress to Date:
- 8 States have the capacity to implement Farmer Field Schools. As a result of the successful Farmer Field School approach in the Pilot Phase, the National Cocoa Development Committee (NCDC) commissioned STCP-Nigeria to develop the capacity of cocoa producing states to implement and manage Farmer Field Schools through their extension services. Participating states include: Abia, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Edo, Ekiti, Ogun, Ondo, and Osun. The first state-supported Farmer Field Schools were completed by Abia, Cross River, Edo and Akwa Ibom in 2007.
- 4,559 farmers trained through Farmer Field Schools. Graduates include: 2,204 farmers trained under the STCP-Nigeria core program; 300 farmers trained with funding from the Sustainable Practices in Agriculture for Critical Environments (SPACE) Project; 480 farmers trained with funding from SPACE, Cross River State and farming communities jointly; 675 farmers trained by communities in Cross River State; and 900 farmers trained by the four states implementing Farmer Field Schools. A total of 10,722 farmers were trained by the graduates through guided farmer-to-farmer diffusion. In all Farmer Field Schools, farmers received training on topics related to integrated crop and pest management, quality improvement, and farm safety (including safety of children).
- 4 nursery sites established. STCP-Nigeria began a project with the state governments, the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, the National Cocoa Development Committee and the Federal University of Technology Akure, to develop a farmer organization/community-led seedling production and distribution system. One nursery was established in each participating state (Abia, Edo, Osun, and Cross River), and selected communities were trained in nursery management.
- 2 Cooperative Unions adopt collective marketing arrangements. The Tonikoko Farmers Cooperative Multipurpose Union (TFCMU) and Cross River Advanced Cocoa Multipurpose Union (CRACMU) adopted collective marketing arrangements. 40% of the TFCMU members participated in the arrangement during the 2006 season realizing a 10% price margin over prevailing market prices. This margin was maintained for the 2007 season. CRACMU is registered as a licensed buying agent. In addition, STCP is working with 7 farmer organizations on organizational development plans.
Success Story: Cocoa Farming Communities Lead Extension Delivery in Cross River State
Success Story: Edo State - Integrating the Farmer Field School Approach into Extension Services
Success Story: Nursery Business Improves Livelihoods for Community
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Overview of the Sustainable Tree Crops Program