Akwa Ibom is blessed with vast fertile land, a favourable climate, and immense agricultural potential. Farming is a major economic activity in the state, employing over 70% of the population. Akwa Ibom produces a wide variety of agricultural commodities that drive rural incomes and provide raw materials for agro-based industries. The state government has identified agriculture as an important sector to create jobs, ensure food security, and support economic diversification. This article explores the major agricultural products underpinning Akwa Ibom’s economy.
Palm Oil
Palm oil is a leading agricultural product in Akwa Ibom, with the state being the second-largest producer in Nigeria.
Production
- Akwa Ibom has over 150,000 hectares of oil palm plantations spread across the state.
- Average annual production is estimated at 155,000 metric tonnes.
- Small-scale farmers account for most production using traditional processing methods.
- Large palm oil mills also operate, handling up to 10 tonnes per hour.
Processing
- Numerous small-scale processors produce red palm oil for domestic consumption.
- Larger mills extract crude palm oil as well as by-products like palm kernel oil and palm kernel cake.
- Many international consumer goods firms source palm oil from Akwa Ibom for food, cosmetic, and consumer product manufacturing.
Contribution to the Economy
- Provides income for thousands of rural households involved in production and processing.
- Generating tax revenues through the licencing of local mills
- Palm oil exports earn foreign exchange.
- Supports related downstream industries.
Growth Potential
- Improving oil palm farming through the distribution of high-yielding seedlings, fertiliser subsidy, and intercropping techniques
- Upgrading processing mills and storage infrastructure.
- Facilitating access to credit for smallholders and SME processors
- Embarking on a comprehensive replanting programme to replace ageing plantations.
- Expanding palm oil exports by meeting international sustainability certification standards.
Cassava
Cassava, a staple food crop in Akwa Ibom, is processed into various food and industrial products that drive rural and commercial activities.
Production
- Average annual cassava output is estimated at 3 million metric tonnes.
- Produced across all LGAs by smallholder farmers
- Early-maturing improved varieties were introduced to increase productivity.
- The main producing areas are Oron, Eket, Ikot Abasi, and Mkpat Enin.
Processing
- Small garri processing centres abound in rural communities, providing local food supplies and rural jobs.
- Larger mills process cassava into industrial starch used in food, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing.
- High-quality cassava flour (HQCF) is produced for use in wheat flour substitution.
- Ethanol is extracted as a biofuel and industrial chemical feedstock.
Contribution to the Economy
- Cassava farming and processing employ many rural dwellers.
- Sales of cassava foods and value-added products provide income.
- Cassava starch, HQCF, and ethanol offer import substitutions.
- Taxes and levies on larger processors give IGR.
Growth Potential
- Supporting mechanisation to reduce drudgery and improve processing efficiency.
- Expanding cassava production through increased access to disease-resistant varieties and fertilisers.
- Creating farmer cooperatives and out-grower schemes for processors to guarantee supply
- Producing packaged cassava foods like garri, fufu, and tapioca to meet urban demand
- Exporting cassava products within Africa and globally.
Maize
Maize is an important cereal crop in Akwa Ibom used for food, livestock feed, and industrial applications.
Production
- Around 300,000 MT of maize is harvested annually in the state.
- Small-scale farmers in rural areas dominate production.
Commercial farms in Uyo, Abak, Ikono, Eket, and Oron LGAs also dedicate significant acreage.
Usage
- primarily utilised locally as a staple food crop.
- Provides raw materials for animal feed production.
- Supplies starch-manufacturing industries.
- Increasing usage as an input for breweries and ethanol production
Contribution to the Economy
- Generates rural employment and incomes.
- Import substitution occurs through local feed production.
- Food security and low cereal prices.
- Taxes from larger maize farms
Growth Potential
- Disseminating high-yield hybrid maize varieties resistant to diseases and pests.
- Expanding small-scale irrigation to enable all-year cultivation.
- Improving storage facilities to minimise post-harvest losses
- Supporting commercial feed mills and food processing plants will add value.
- organising out-grower arrangements between farmers and food processors.
Rice
Rice farming and processing have grown significantly in Akwa Ibom, improving domestic supply and import substitution.
Production
- Akwa Ibom produces over 100,000 MT of rice annually.
- Uruan, Ini, Ikono, Obot Akara, and Ukanafun LGAs are major rice cultivation areas.
- Improved small-scale irrigation supports wet-season and dry-season farming.
- Private-sector rice mills have established large-scale farms.
Processing
- Small community rice mills provide dehusking services to local farmers.
- Large integrated mills like Stine Rice Mill package and market their farm produce.
- Ultra-modern mills like Signature Rice Mill produce premium-branded rice.
Contribution to the Economy
- Provides income for rice farmers.
- Import substitution conserves foreign exchange.
- Affordable rice supplies enhance food security.
- Rural job creation in farming and milling
Growth Potential
- Supporting farmer cooperatives and out-grower schemes to guarantee processor supply.
- Expanding irrigation infrastructure for all-season production.
- Enhancing milling capacity and reversing post-harvest losses
- Regional exports within West Africa.
- Improving market linkages between farms and food companies
Cocoa
Akwa Ibom has a suitable climate and lands for cocoa cultivation. Cocoa exports present major opportunities for foreign exchange earnings.
Production
- Up to 15,000 MT of cocoa is harvested annually.
- Smallholders in rural areas dominate production.
- Key growing LGAs are Obot Akara, Essien Udim, and Ibesikpo Asutan.
Processing
- Mainly exported as raw cocoa beans through middlemen.
- Minimal domestic grinding into cocoa powder, butter, liquor, and chocolate
Contribution to the Economy
- Cocoa exports earn foreign exchange.
- Provides income-generation opportunities and employment for rural households.
Growth Potential
- Rehabilitating old cocoa plantations and establishing new farms
- Training farmers on good agricultural practices to improve bean quality and yields
- Providing seedlings, extension support, and subsidised inputs
- Building domestic grinding capacity to export cocoa products.
- Obtaining fair-trade and organic certification to earn premiums on exports
- Promoting public-private partnerships in cocoa production and processing
Fisheries
Akwa Ibom has extensive riverine areas, creeks, and coastal waters that offer massive potential for fishing and aquaculture.
Production
- Over 160,000 MT of fish are produced annually.
- Marine fish like croaker, catfish, and shrimp are major capture fisheries.
- Aquaculture fish farms for catfish, tilapia, and carp are expanding.
Processing
- Smoking is the main method for preserving artisanally caught fish.
- Cold storage infrastructure is limited but increasing.
- Emerging large cold rooms and ice plants to store fish.
Contribution to the Economy
- supports the livelihoods of coastal and riverine communities.
- Taxes and levies on aquaculture ventures and fisheries companies
- Supplies raw materials for animal feed production.
Growth Potential
- Providing subsidised cold storage infrastructure to reduce post-harvest losses
- Expanding aquaculture through incentives and public-private partnerships.
- Organising fisherfolk into clusters to facilitate storage, marketing, and exports
- Value-addition through packaged and branded frozen fish products.
- Meeting international quality standards for the export of shrimp, crabs, and smoked fish to overseas markets
Livestock
Poultry, small ruminants, and cattle rearing provide proteins, income, and raw materials for industrial activity in Akwa Ibom.
Production
- Poultry farming for eggs and meat is a major livestock activity.
- Goats, sheep, and pigs were reared mostly under small-scale, extensive systems.
- Cattle grazing and fattening are undertaken in rural areas.
Processing
- Medium poultry farms have feed mills and slaughtering facilities.
- Larger automated poultry firms supply packaged chicken products.
- Abattoirs and meat packaging plants are emerging.
Contribution to the Economy
- Provides protein for domestic consumption.
- Supplies raw materials to sectors like pharmaceuticals and leather.
- Taxes and fees on commercial livestock enterprises
Growth Potential
- supporting the development of commercial feedlots and ranches.
- Expanding artificial insemination to improve livestock breeds.
- Establishing agri-market linkages between producers and processors
- Investing in meat processing and tannery facilities to add value.
- organising contract-based out-grower schemes.
Conclusion
Agriculture remains the mainstay of Akwa Ibom’s economy. Palm oil, cassava, maize, rice, cocoa, fisheries, and livestock are the leading farm products driving rural development and agro-industrialization. To fully optimise the potential of these commodities, the state government should continue providing training, inputs, and infrastructure while encouraging private investment across agricultural value chains. With its natural endowments and productive farmers, Akwa Ibom can position agriculture as the engine of broad-based economic growth, wealth creation, and food security.