Abstract
A key policy instrument in the cocoa transformation agenda is to provide subsidized inputs for farmers to replace old grooves to increase cocoa production in Nigeria. The study examined the role of cocoa marketing cooperatives in enhancing the incomes of its member patrons in Osun State under the cocoa renaissance policy. Multi stage sampling method was used to select 100 respondents from four cocoa produce marketing unions in the State. Data obtained were analysed with descriptive statistics, budgetary analysis and the multiple regression technique. The study revealed that the average age of the respondents was 64.4 years and only 16% of the cocoa farms were developed after the commencement of the renaissance policy. The farmers operated an average of 5.4 ha farm sizes while inputs supplied respondents through cooperative societies were much cheaper compared to what obtained in the open market. The gross margin to enterprise was N387, 639 while the net income was N345, 282. The regression analyses revealed that while family size, age, level of education, farm size and cooperative experience were significant determinants of output, family size, farm size, cooperative experience and amount of cocoa marketed through cooperative societies were significant determinants of income realized in the cocoa enterprises. The study concluded that greater efforts should be put in place to attract younger and educated farmers to achieve policy objectives. Key words: Renaissance, transformation agenda, marketing cooperatives, subsidize, agrochemicals, fertilizer, seedlings.
Highlights
The importance of cocoa to Nigeria’s socioeconomic development cannot be overemphasized and has been documented in several empirical studies (Olayide, 1969; Olayemi, 1973; Folayan et al, 2006)
Its prime place has since been taking by petroleum production, cocoa remains the most important agricultural product as no other export commodity has earned more foreign exchange than it (Abang, 1984; Akinbola, 2001). It is a major employer of labour (Folayan et al, 2006) and supplies raw materials to local industries
In spite of the fact that Nigeria's fortune in cocoa has considerably declined, the study has shown that the enterprise is still very profitable
Summary
The importance of cocoa to Nigeria’s socioeconomic development cannot be overemphasized and has been documented in several empirical studies (Olayide, 1969; Olayemi, 1973; Folayan et al, 2006). Its prime place has since been taking by petroleum production, cocoa remains the most important agricultural product as no other export commodity has earned more foreign exchange than it (Abang, 1984; Akinbola, 2001). It is a major employer of labour (Folayan et al, 2006) and supplies raw materials to local industries.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
