WACOT Limited, a leading food and agro-allied company in Nigeria, in partnership with the agro-led division of the TGI Group, has disbursed more than N158 million in Sustainability Differential Payments to over 2,000 cocoa farmers in Osun State, reinforcing efforts to promote sustainable farming and improve farmer incomes.
The disbursement was announced at the Rewarding Commitment: Cocoa Premium and Farmer Appreciation event held recently in Osun State, where 57 outstanding cocoa farmers were also recognised for exceptional performance. An additional N5.8 million was paid to these farmers in recognition of their consistency, quality output, and adherence to sustainability standards.
The Sustainability Differential Payment is a financial incentive designed to reward cocoa farmers who meet verifiable sustainability criteria, including good agricultural practices, environmental protection, and traceability across the cocoa value chain. The initiative forms part of TGI Group’s broader strategy to transform cocoa farming into a more sustainable, transparent, and profitable venture for rural communities.
Speaking at the event, the head of Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability at TGI Group expressed appreciation to the farmers for their dedication and consistency. She noted that the company values the farmers’ commitment to producing high-quality cocoa and reaffirmed its support for their long-term growth within the cocoa ecosystem.
Beyond financial rewards, the programme emphasises financial inclusion and technology-driven transparency. Through the use of digital payment platforms, farmers receive their premiums directly and promptly, reducing delays and leakages while bringing many unbanked and underbanked farmers into the formal financial system. This approach allows smallholder farmers, who operate as micro and small-scale agribusinesses, to manage their income more securely and plan better for expansion.
Several beneficiaries shared how the initiative has positively impacted their farming activities. A cocoa farmer in Osun State said the support received from WACOT, particularly in the cocoa planting process and access to farm inputs such as medicines, has significantly improved harvest yields. Another beneficiary explained that training on climate-smart agricultural practices has led to noticeable improvements in productivity, describing the results as remarkable.
The event brought together cooperative leaders, WACOT field officers, and farmers, serving as a platform to strengthen trust and demonstrate the tangible benefits of sustainable farming practices. For many of the farmers, the premiums represent not just income support but validation of their efforts to run more resilient and environmentally responsible farm enterprises.
WACOT said it plans to expand the programme by deepening farmer training, scaling digital payment adoption, and sustaining recognition initiatives aimed at building long-term value across the cocoa supply chain. The company reaffirmed its commitment to supporting smallholder farmers as critical players in Nigeria’s agricultural economy and export potential.
