By Barbara Nwaiwu
The Ondo State Government has profiled more than 14,000 cocoa and oil palm farmers under a Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) supported initiative aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture and positioning the state for the global cocoa export market.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa disclosed this on Tuesday in Akure during the opening of the second FAO Participatory Informed Learning Approach Multi Stakeholders Workshop under the GEF-7 Food Systems, Land Use and Restoration Impact Programme (FOLUR-IP).
Aiyedatiwa said the state government had intensified efforts to curb deforestation and ensure cocoa production aligns with international sustainability standards and export requirements.
According to him, the state had established a Strategic Committee on European Union Deforestation Free Regulation compliance to help cocoa farmers meet global environmental and traceability requirements.
He explained that the initiative was intended to promote sustainable cocoa production, agroforestry practices and the restoration of degraded forest areas across the state.
The governor also disclosed that a forest management committee had been inaugurated to improve monitoring activities and protect forest resources.
Aiyedatiwa said the FAO backed programme was currently being implemented in eight local government areas, including Akure South, Idanre, Ondo West, Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo, Owo, Odigbo, Okitipupa and Irele.
According to him, the intervention had improved sustainable farming practices and strengthened environmental protection efforts in the state.
The governor further revealed that the project included the establishment of a Geographic Information System (GIS) laboratory within the state’s REDD+ Unit to support geospatial mapping and forest management.
He added that cocoa farmers and timber stakeholders had benefited from the distribution of agroforestry and timber seedlings aimed at restoring degraded forest sites.
Aiyedatiwa noted that extension officers and farmers were also receiving training on climate smart agriculture, cocoa and oil palm production, agroforestry systems and compliance with European Union deforestation regulations through polygon mapping and traceability.
He stressed the importance of integrated land management and sustainable food systems in improving food security and livelihoods across the state.
The FAO National Coordinator in Nigeria, Nifesimi Ogunkua, called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to encourage sustainable land use, agroforestry and access to international markets.
Ogunkua said the FAO was providing technical oversight for the programme in partnership with national institutions, including the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria.
She explained that the project formed part of a global programme spanning Africa, Asia and Latin America aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture, ecosystem restoration and improved environmental governance.
Ogunkua described Ondo as an important player in Nigeria’s cocoa value chain, adding that the state had the potential to become a model for climate-resilient cocoa production.
She, however, warned that increased production alone would not guarantee economic benefits without meeting international certification and traceability standards.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Leye Akinola, said the workshop focused on land use planning, agroecological transition pathways, certification standards and participatory spatial planning.
According to him, the forum was organised to strengthen institutional collaboration and encourage practical solutions for sustainable land use and environmental management.
Akinola commended the Federal Government, development partners and research institutions for supporting the implementation of the initiative in Ondo State since March 2024.
Also speaking, the Ondo State Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, Gbenga Fasua, assured that benefiting local government councils would support efforts to sustain the programme.
Other dignitaries at the event included the Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Olayide Adelami, the Chief of Staff, Segun Omojuwa, traditional rulers and stakeholders in the cocoa and oil palm sectors.