Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has urged cocoa farmers across the country to build strong, unified farmer institutions as a pathway to achieving food security in Nigeria.
Speaking at a summit convened by the Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria (CFAN), Obasanjo emphasized the importance of strengthening agricultural institutions to foster a resilient food supply chain.
He challenged farmer leaders to take ownership of their future, suggesting they create robust, commodity-specific associations similar to the influential Soybean Farmers Association in the United States, which has historically played a key role in American politics by supporting presidential candidates.
According to Obasanjo, a solid farmers’ institution would be pivotal in empowering farmers and driving food security in the country.
The National President of CFAN, in his address, highlighted the significant role the organization plays in representing cocoa farmers since the dissolution of the Cocoa Board in 1986. The formation of CFAN arose from a need for a unified voice to advocate for cocoa farmers at the national, state, and local government levels.
He explained that previous leadership structures within the cocoa industry had favored exporters and buyers, excluding cocoa farmers from key decision-making processes.
This imbalance led to the creation of CFAN, which now serves as the collective force for cocoa farmers’ interests across Nigeria.
The summit provided a platform for cocoa farmers from all regions of the country to join forces, form a consensus, and strengthen their collective representation under CFAN, ensuring their voices are heard in future agricultural and policy discussions.
