WACOT Empowers Cocoa Over 2,000 Farmers with ₦158m

News in brief:

-WACOT Limited has disbursed ₦158 million in Sustainability Differential Payments to 2,062 cocoa farmers in Osun State, with an additional ₦5.8 million awarded to top performers.

-The initiative supports sustainable cocoa production and includes training on quality improvement and climate-smart agriculture.

WACOT Limited, the agro-allied arm of the TGI Group, has disbursed more than ₦158 million in Sustainability Differential Payments to 2,062 cocoa farmers in Osun State. The payout was announced during the company’s Rewarding Commitment: Cocoa Premium and Farmer Appreciation event held in Ile-Ife.

In addition to the main distribution, WACOT recognised 57 farmers for outstanding performance and awarded them a combined ₦5.8 million as an incentive for maintaining high production standards.

Yosola Onanuga, Head of Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability at TGI Group, thanked the farmers for their commitment to quality production. She said the company’s support is anchored on strengthening sustainable supply chains and encouraging farmers to adopt responsible agricultural practices.

Farmers Highlight Gains from WACOT’s Support

Some of the beneficiaries shared their experiences during the event, noting improvements in farm output and technical knowledge since the company’s intervention.

A cocoa farmer, Olaosun Rebecca, said WACOT has helped improve the quality and yields of her cocoa plantation through regular support and inputs. She added that the company’s extension services and provision of farm medicines contributed significantly to better harvests.

Another beneficiary, Chukwuma Agha, said the training on climate-smart agriculture provided by WACOT had improved production outcomes. He described the results as 'remarkable,' noting that farmers now apply more efficient and resilient farming practices.

Strengthening Sustainable Cocoa Production

WACOT’s sustainability differential payment scheme is designed to reward farmers who comply with global cocoa sustainability standards, including those related to traceability, responsible cultivation, and environmental protection. The programme forms part of the company’s broader commitment to strengthening rural livelihoods and boosting Nigeria’s cocoa value chain.

Officials stated that the company will continue to expand farmer education, promote quality enhancement and support practices that meet international sustainability requirements.