Published Article

ABSTRACT

This study examined the economic benefits and challenges of cocoa farming in Nigeria as a strategic agricultural activity for promoting rural development and national economic growth. Specifically, the study investigated the economic benefits of cocoa farming, identified the challenges confronting cocoa farmers, and examined mitigating strategies for addressing these challenges. A descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. The study was carried out in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The population comprised all agriculturalists in Akwa Ibom State. A stratified sampling technique was used in selecting two Local Government Areas each from the Uyo, Eket, and Ikot Ekpene Senatorial Districts, from which 10 cocoa farmers were drawn, giving a total sample size of 60 respondents. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire titled Economic Benefit and Challenge of Cocoa Farming Questionnaire (EBCCFQ). The instrument was validated by an expert in Test, Measurement, and Evaluation, while a reliability coefficient of 0.89 was obtained, confirming its reliability. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The result of the findings revealed that income generation for farmers and rural households recorded the highest percentage (28.33%) among the economic benefits of cocoa farming, while poverty reduction and economic empowerment recorded the least percentage (11.67%). The study further revealed that climate change and environmental stress constituted the major challenge of cocoa farming with the highest percentage (25.00%), whereas deforestation and environmental degradation recorded the least percentage (5.00%). In terms of mitigating strategies, the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices recorded the highest percentage (20.00%), while sustainable land-use practices and forest conservation recorded the least percentage (1.67%). The study concluded that cocoa farming remains a vital source of income, employment, and economic development in Nigeria despite the numerous challenges confronting the sector. One of the recommendations was that farmers should be encouraged to adopt climate-smart practices such as agroforestry, irrigation, and soil conservation techniques to mitigate the effects of climate change and improve resilience.