The Ondo State Agriculture Empowerment Cemte (OSAEC) and NIRSAL held strategic meetings, working out modalities for partnership with intent of boosting Cocoa production in Ondo State.
In a meeting held at the office of the agency in Alagbaka Akure, *Cocoa Revolution* was identified as a major area of interest, with discussions on how to scale up cocoa production across Ondo State.
The meeting marked an important step in the *OSAEC–NIRSAL strategic engagement*, with both parties exploring practical models that can combine *agricultural production, financing, youth and women empowerment, processing, market access and risk management*.
The immediate priority is to develop a *clear, practical and investment-ready framework*, with the *Cocoa Revolution and other suitable agricultural enterprises* serving as potential components of the broader collaboration.
The engagement explored a strategic partnership between **OSAEC and NIRSAL** towards developing sustainable financing and implementation models for agricultural projects and programmes in Ondo State, with particular emphasis on **youth and women empowerment**.
It was stated that, the proposed approach will consider improved cocoa varieties, access to land, youth and women participation, long-term farm development, processing, value addition, financing, and market access.
While cocoa remains an important long-term investment, the meeting recognized the need to incorporate *short-cycle crops such as maize, tomatoes and other suitable commodities* to provide quicker economic returns for participating youths and farmers.
The meeting emphasized the importance of developing *processing and value-addition components* alongside primary production. This is expected to increase the value of agricultural commodities, create employment opportunities and strengthen the agricultural value chain.
OSAEC’s potential role in facilitating access to suitable agricultural land was discussed. Structured land allocation and long-term lease arrangements may be considered to support sustainable farm development and attract investment.
NIRSAL emphasized the importance of identifying the potential *risks and challenges associated with cocoa production and other proposed agricultural ventures*. These risks will form part of the framework and inform the proposed financing and implementation models.
Other discussions include proposed framework that will clearly establish the appropriate financing model, including consideration of *loans, grants, PPP arrangements or blended financing*.
” The need to identify major *off-takers, processors and market players* was highlighted. A structured market arrangement could provide participating farmers with reliable markets while reducing production and marketing risks”.
The establishment of an appropriate *SPV or implementation structure* was proposed to manage the investment, coordinate stakeholders and ensure effective delivery and sustainability of the programme.
” The proposed models will prioritize *youth and women participation*, while exploring appropriate roles for OSAEC and other relevant stakeholders in the implementation structure”.
