06/10/2025
MY COCOA FARMING EXPERIENCE
In 2020, while working with a company, I had a dream to start my own farm. Although I had the idea, I didn't have the opportunity to make it happen. I reached out to my brother, who agreed to help me with the farm management. We started small, with 4 hectares of land, and I invested millions of naira. The farm began to thrive, and I was hopeful for the future.
However, in 2022, disaster struck. Someone, out of weakness, set my farm ablaze, destroying everything. I was devastated and discouraged. The next year, I couldn't continue with the farm, and it seemed like my dream was over.
But in 2024, I decided to start all over again. I rented a small, abandoned farm and began to work on resuscitating it. I also planted on another location, hoping for a better outcome. Although the farm had been neglected for so long, and the production was initially poor, I didn't give up.
Last year, while others were selling their products and rejoicing, I was unfairly grouped among those who didn't work hard, like a spectator watching others succeed. But I didn't let that discourage me. I kept pushing, and now my new farm is doing well. This year's production from the rented farm is very much appreciated.
I'm Engr. Akwa, Anobejah Egbe, and I'm sharing my story to encourage someone out there who's struggling. No matter what challenges you face, never give up. Keep fighting, and believe in a better tomorrow. Your breakthrough is on the way!