THE STATUS OF COCOA PROCESSING INDUSTRY IN WESTERN NIGERIA

ABSTRACT
A survey carried out using personal contact and questionnaires in order to
assess the status of cocoa processing industries in western Nigeria. During
the survey some industries who involved in cocoa processing were
identified. While, some of them are involved in the production of
primary cocoa products such as cocoa liquor, butter, cake and powder,
others are involved in production of secondary cocoa products such as
beverages, chocolate, cosmetics and pharmaceutical products. Large,
medium and small scale industries were also identified during the survey.
Out of fifty questionnaires sent out only seven were returned. Descriptive
statistical tools were used for the analysis. It was noted from the survey
that the large scale cocoa processing industries available in Nigeria are
well equipped with imported machineries. The industries are well staff
with both administrative and technical staff. The present production level
of cocoa liquor, cocoa butter, cocoa cake, cocoa powder and beverages
range between 5.0 – 30.2, 5.0 – 12.7, 0.0-14.7, 0.0-11.4, and 2.4-8.1
ton/day respectively. It is strongly recommended that the government
should encourage the local cocoa processing industries in Nigeria through
favourable policies. The technical staff should also be challenged and
trained to develop indigenous machineries before the imported
machineries expire their serviceable life.

Keywords: Production, Processing, Machineries, Cacao, Products