-Abuja, Nigeria

Intercropping cocoa with plantains is a smart farming practice, especially when starting a cocoa farm. Plantains offer great shade for young cocoa plants, which need protection from harsh sunlight in their early growth stages. The plantain trees help create a cooler, more humid environment that keeps the soil moist and prevents erosion. Their fallen leaves also improve soil fertility over time.

What’s more, while waiting for the cocoa trees to mature and bear fruit, plantains provide farmers with a quicker source of income, making it a more profitable use of the land. This system not only helps with better land management but also gives farmers a steady income and more food security. However, it’s important to manage the crops carefully, ensuring they don’t compete too much for water and nutrients so both the cocoa and plantains can thrive.