Why Ghana Must Adopt Coconut as a Cash Crop – The Case of African Coconut Group

A strong case has been made for Ghana to expand its basket of cash crops to include coconut due to its enormous economic benefits. The African Coconut Group says it is about time Ghana looked beyond coconut as just a roadside fruit juice to quench thirst.

The economic importance of the tree crop, according to the Director of the African Coconut Group, Kwaku Boateng, matches other cash crops like cocoa, cashew, oil palm, etc.

Kwaku Boateng touts the versatility of coconut which is seen in diverse industries such as pharmaceuticals, beverages, and energy among others as a strong reason for particular attention by the government.

He continues to add that the crop is zero-waste which makes all parts of the tree economically useful and with large value-chain operators.

“Coconut is a versatile crop. It is seen in the pharmaceutical industry, the food and beverage industry, and the cosmetics industry; name them, biodiesel, and eco-friendly crop. Coconut is a zero-waste crop. In the value chain, we are talking about five value chains of coconut. Processors, exporters, vendors, farmers, and even nursery operators,” the Director of the African Coconut Group strongly argued.

On employment and export benefits, Kwaku Boateng disclosed that the crop for instance at just the production stage provides direct and indirect jobs to over 350,000 people across the country. He says the sector has the potential to create one million jobs should coconut be adopted as a cash crop.

The country also earns significant foreign exchange from the about 504,000 metric tonnes of coconut produced annually. This annual production, Kwaku Boateng says ranks Ghana 12^th in the world and 1^st in Africa, signifying the potential of the sector.

“This gives wide opportunities for employment. Currently, Ghana is ranked 12^th in the world and number 1 in Africa with an annual production of 504000 metric tons. What has attributed to this? Coconut is a versatile crop. Every part of the coconut is money. It is a zero-waste crop. Coconut husk can be turned by adding value to produce mats and mattresses. When it comes to charcoal, the coconut shell can be burnt to produce charcoal which is eco-friendly.”

With the numerous economic benefits of coconut, the African Coconut Group believes a constant campaign is needed to push the agenda of coconut as a cash crop to the government.

The Director says, “It is important for constant advocation of coconut as a cash crop to increase production so that the various value-added products can work. If we are able to do this, over 1 million people can be employed in the sector because currently just at the production level, over 350,000 people whether in direct or indirect jobs gain a source of livelihood from coconut.”

The adoption of coconut as a cash crop will position the sector to receive constant attention from the government as cocoa, oil palm, rubber, etc. Such attention will enable the sector to properly develop its value and supply chains to enhance its economic benefits.
Source:thehighstreetjournal.com