WACOT Limited, the agro-allied division of the TGI Group, has disbursed over N158 million in Sustainability Differential Payments (SDP) to 2,062 cocoa farmers in Osun State, reinforcing its commitment to promoting sustainable agricultural practices and supporting rural communities. The payments were part of the “Rewarding Commitment: Cocoa Premium and Farmer Appreciation Event,” recently held in Ile-Ife, which also recognised 57 exceptional farmers with an additional N5.8 million for their outstanding contributions.
The SDP is a monetary reward aimed at incentivising farmers who adhere to verifiable sustainability criteria, including good agricultural practices, traceability, and environmental safeguards. The initiative reflects WACOT’s integrated approach to transforming cocoa farming into a more sustainable, traceable, and profitable enterprise for rural farmers.
Yosola Onanuga, Head of Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability at TGI Group, expressed appreciation to the farmers, saying, “You are very important to us, and we’re happy to be doing this farmer reward ceremony. Thank you for your commitment and consistency in ensuring that your cocoa meets the quality standards we expect. We’re here to support you and extend our gratitude for your dedication to this cocoa family.”
The programme leverages digital payment platforms to ensure transparency, security, and efficiency, bringing unbanked and underbanked farmers into the formal financial ecosystem. This approach guarantees that farmers receive their premiums directly and promptly while equipping them with tools to manage their finances effectively.
Beneficiary farmers shared their experiences at the event. Olaosun Rebecca said, “Since the arrival of WACOT Limited and their involvement in our cocoa planting process, they have helped us tremendously. They provided us with medicine, and the cocoa plantation has been yielding great harvests. May God continue to bless WACOT.” Similarly, Mr. Chukwuma Agha stated, “We have benefited greatly from WACOT Limited. They taught us how to implement climate-smart agricultural practices for our plants. The results have been remarkable. We appreciate their support and may God bless the company for their contributions.”
The event also served as a platform for cooperative leaders and WACOT field officers to strengthen trust and demonstrate the tangible benefits of sustainable farming. Looking ahead, WACOT plans to expand farmer training, scale up digital payment adoption, and continue its recognition programmes to ensure long-term sustainability across the cocoa value chain.
This initiative underscores WACOT Limited’s commitment to empowering farmers, promoting sustainability, and driving financial inclusion, aligning with broader efforts to create a resilient and profitable cocoa industry in Nigeria.
