By Olasunkanmi Olajide
Recognising the economic and agricultural importance of coffee as one of the most valuable commodities exported by developing countries, the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) has embarked on a significant coffee cultivation project.
Reports indicate that over 75 million people globally rely on coffee for their livelihood, and in early September 2024, FUNAAB planted 271 seedlings of Coffee Arabica on a 1.5-acre plot to key into the thriving commodity.
The seedlings, donated by Alhaji Salihu Imam, the Chairman of the National Coffee and Tea Association of Nigeria, Oyo State, are expected to reach maturity and be harvested in two years.
In addition to coffee, 42 seedlings of soursop were also planted alongside the coffee plants. The strategic diversification was aimed at optimising land use and contributing to FUNAAB’s efforts to enhance food security.
