Dr Joseph Minari, an expert in Cell Biology and Genetics from the University of Lagos and the Keynote speaker at the opening session of the 2024 Annual Inhouse Research Review of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) located in Ibadan, Oyo State, has highlighted three major factors affecting cocoa production in Nigeria.

Speaking to CEOAFRICA after his presentation at the 3-day research event, the academic don listed the factors as lack of funds, overreliance on oil, and poor collaboration.

He said that there is need for funding for research on the existing problems in agriculture generally, adding that “it seems since we are getting money from oil, we are abandoning cocoa which used to be major source of revenue in the Western region.”

“Thirdly, poor collaboration. We need more people to come up, more collaboration from research institutes to the academics and to the industry. We must draw the line where the town and the gown will meet and solve the problems facing cocoa in Nigeria,” Minari said.

Speaking on his presentation, he expressed that the intention is to stimulate the hearts of the researchers to be able to write strong proposals, and how to enable them to win grants, get funding to conduct useful research that will solve the problem of food security in Nigeria.

Admitting that Nigeria is in a serious food crisis, the University of Lagos academician stressed the need for researchers and farmers to develop good proposals that can address the need of the nation.

“We need researchers to come on board. You can’t get quality research without proper funding. The funding could come in from of grants,” he said.

Commending the efforts of CRIN, he advised the institute to do more, and focus on getting grants from awarding agencies, especially outside the country rather than depending solely on the government.