Coconut is the main cash crop in Lagos State, Nigeria’s largest coconut-producing region, accounting for 60–70 percent of national production. The sector supports the livelihoods of more than 40 000 people and has significant potential to contribute to economic growth and sustainable agrifood systems.

Despite growing domestic demand, the industry faces low productivity due to ageing plantations, limited adoption of improved varieties and outdated production practices. Upgrading the coconut value chain offers a major opportunity to increase production, improve livelihoods, strengthen food security and build a more resilient and sustainable sector.

Vision and upgrading strategy

Building on the findings, ASTA and national stakeholders developed a 15-year upgrading strategy to transform Lagos State’s coconut value chain into a competitive, technology-driven and sustainable industry, positioning it as a West African hub for coconut production and processing.

The strategy focuses on five priorities:

🤝 Strengthening value chain coordination through producer organizations and digital services.

🌴 Improving sustainable production by promoting modern cultivation practices and improved planting materials.

🏭 Expanding value addition through modern processing technologies and innovative business models.

🌍 Improving market access by strengthening links between producers, processors and higher-value domestic and export markets.

🏛️ Creating an enabling environment through supportive policies, infrastructure improvements and greater environmental sustainability.

Together, these actions aim to increase productivity, create jobs, substitute imports, expand exports and build a more resilient and inclusive coconut sector.