The Impact of Cocoa Farming on Nigeria’s Omo Forest Reserve
The Omo Forest Reserve in Nigeria, which is a habitat for critically endangered African forest elephants and a hotspot for biodiversity, is facing a threat due to the expansion of cocoa farming. This deforestation, driven by the global demand for chocolate, is endangering the habitat of these majestic creatures and contributing to climate change.
A recent investigation by the Associated Press (AP) has uncovered illegal activities within the reserve, with cocoa farmers, brokers, and licensed buying agents operating unlawfully. These individuals supply cocoa to major trading companies such as Olam Group and Starlink Global, who further provide Nigerian cocoa to chocolate giants like Mars Inc. and Ferrero. Despite claims of responsible sourcing, the complex and opaque nature of the chocolate supply chain makes it challenging to trace the origin of the cocoa used in popular treats like Snickers, M&Ms, and Nutella.
The expansion of cocoa farming into the Omo Forest Reserve is driven by the livelihoods of approximately 1.4 million people in Nigeria who rely on cocoa production. Aging cocoa trees, leading to reduced productivity, are compelling farmers to encroach upon the protected forest area. Despite the efforts of conservation officials, the Nigerian government has failed to enforce laws prohibiting cocoa farming within the reserve, exacerbating the issue.
Olam, a major trading company implicated in the investigation, claims to prohibit its farmers from sourcing from protected areas and asserts that it conducts thorough investigations into its supply chain. Similarly, Tulip, another company named in the investigation, is confident that its supplies do not come from protected areas and is certified by the Rainforest Alliance.
Starlink, a Nigerian company implicated in the sourcing of cocoa from the Omo Forest Reserve, does not currently have a traceability program for its cocoa sourced from the reserve, highlighting a lack of oversight within the supply chain. This demonstrates the complexity and challenges of monitoring and ensuring sustainability in the cocoa supply chain, particularly in regions where land ownership is not well-documented.
Major players in the chocolate industry, such as Ferrero and Mars, have policies in place to ensure responsible and deforestation-free sourcing of cocoa. However, the challenge lies in the implementation and verification of these policies, particularly in areas where regulatory enforcement is lacking.
The investigation underscores the urgent need for increased transparency and accountability within the cocoa supply chain. It also highlights the importance of enforcing regulations to protect vital ecosystems like the Omo Forest Reserve from the detrimental impacts of cocoa farming. As consumers, we have a role to play in advocating for transparent and sustainable sourcing practices in the products we enjoy.
In conclusion, the expansion of cocoa farming into protected areas such as the Omo Forest Reserve poses significant environmental and biodiversity risks. It is the responsibility of all stakeholders, including government bodies, trading companies, and consumers, to work towards sustainable and ethical practices in the production and sourcing of cocoa to safeguard precious ecosystems for future generations.
