About Us

The Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) is a premier agricultural research institute established by the Nigerian government to focus on research, development, and capacity building for cocoa and other related crops. It plays a critical role in the advancement of agriculture, particularly in the production of export-oriented crops.

Functions and Activities

Research and Development:

Development of high-yielding, disease-resistant crop varieties.
Improved agronomic practices for sustainable farming.

Training and Capacity Building:

Training farmers and agricultural workers on modern techniques for farming, pest management, and post-harvest handling.

Quality Control and Standards:

Ensuring that crops meet international quality standards for export.

Policy Advisory:

Providing expert recommendations to the government and stakeholders on agriculture-related policies.

Promotion of Sustainability:

Encouraging sustainable practices to protect the environment and adapt to climate change impacts.

Contributions and Achievements

Improved Cocoa Varieties: CRIN has introduced disease-resistant and high-yield cocoa varieties.
Post-Harvest Innovations: Development of methods to enhance fermentation, drying, and storage of cocoa beans to meet global standards.
Farmers’ Support: Distribution of improved seedlings and training to smallholder farmers.
Economic Impact: CRIN has contributed significantly to Nigeria’s position as one of the top cocoa-producing countries.

Importance to Nigeria

CRIN plays a vital role in sustaining the agricultural economy of Nigeria, particularly in the cocoa sector, which is a major source of foreign exchange. It also fosters food security, rural development, and poverty alleviation by improving livelihoods through agriculture.

Vision and Future Goals

CRIN aims to position Nigeria as a global leader in cocoa production while addressing challenges such as climate change, market competition, and the need for crop diversification. The institute continues to innovate and collaborate with local and international stakeholders to achieve these goals.

Vision and Mission Statement

Vision Statement of CRIN

To be a world-class research institute advancing sustainable development in cocoa, cashew, kola, coffee, and tea production, while enhancing the livelihood of farmers and stakeholders in Nigeria and beyond.

Mission Statement of CRIN

To conduct cutting-edge research, develop innovative technologies, and provide training and extension services for cocoa, cashew, kola, coffee, and tea production, ensuring improved productivity, quality, and profitability in an environmentally sustainable manner.

Historical Background

The Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) has a rich historical background tied to the development of the cocoa industry in Nigeria. Below is a brief overview of its origins and evolution:

Origins and Establishment

Colonial Era and Early Research Efforts:

Cocoa cultivation in Nigeria began in the late 19th century, introduced by missionaries in regions like Ondo and Ogun states. By the early 20th century, Nigeria had emerged as a key cocoa producer.
The need to improve cocoa production and address challenges such as diseases and pests led to the establishment of research stations under colonial authorities.

Foundation of CRIN:

In 1964, the Federal Government of Nigeria officially established the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) to centralize and intensify research on cocoa.
The institute was set up in Ibadan, Oyo State, as part of efforts to modernize agriculture and support Nigeria’s burgeoning cocoa industry.

Expansion of Mandate

Over time, CRIN’s mandate expanded beyond cocoa to include other important crops such as:

Kola: An important crop for cultural and economic activities in Nigeria.
Cashew: Introduced as an export-oriented crop.
Coffee: For both local consumption and export.
Tea: Cultivated in select regions of the country.

Major Achievements and Milestones

Research Innovations:

CRIN has been instrumental in developing high-yielding and disease-resistant cocoa varieties.
It has contributed significantly to pest management and sustainable farming practices.

Capacity Building:

The institute has trained thousands of Nigerian farmers and extension workers to adopt modern agricultural techniques.

Policy Contributions:

CRIN has provided critical insights and recommendations that have shaped national policies on cocoa production and export.

CRIN Today

CRIN continues to serve as a hub for agricultural research, focusing on addressing modern challenges such as climate change, soil degradation, and fluctuating global cocoa prices. Its work is essential for ensuring that Nigeria maintains its status as one of the world’s leading cocoa producers.

Core Mandate of CRIN

The Core Mandate of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) revolves around research, development, and capacity building for cocoa and other selected crops to support Nigeria’s agricultural and economic growth. Below are the key components of CRIN’s core mandate:

Research and Development

  • Conduct research on cocoa, kola, coffee, cashew, and tea to improve their productivity, quality, and sustainability.
  • Develop high-yielding and disease-resistant crop varieties.
  • Innovate and improve agronomic practices for better crop management.

Crop Improvement

  • Enhance crop varieties through breeding programs.
  • Develop methods to improve the resilience of crops to diseases, pests, and environmental stresses.

Post-Harvest Handling

  • Conduct research on improving post-harvest practices such as fermentation, drying, and storage to enhance product quality.
  • Develop techniques to meet international market standards for export.

Farmer Training and Extension Services

  • Train farmers and extension workers on modern farming techniques.
  • Disseminate research findings and innovations to stakeholders in the agricultural sector.

Economic and Policy Support

  • Provide scientific data and policy recommendations to the government and other stakeholders for the development of the agricultural sector.
  • Support the expansion of the cocoa industry and other related crops to boost Nigeria’s economy.

Sustainability and Environmental Conservation

  • Promote sustainable farming practices that conserve soil, water, and biodiversity.
  • Address the impact of climate change on crop production and develop adaptive strategies.

Value Addition and Product Diversification

  • Research and develop methods for value addition to cocoa and other crops.
  • Explore opportunities for processing raw products into finished goods to enhance marketability and profitability.

CRIN’s mandate is central to Nigeria’s agricultural strategy, helping to maintain the country’s position as a leading producer of cocoa and related crops while fostering economic growth and rural development.

Organizational Structure of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN)

The Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) operates under a structured framework designed to enhance research, development, and capacity building in the agricultural sector. This organizational structure ensures efficient management, policy implementation, and the achievement of research objectives.

Governing Council

  • The Governing Council oversees the strategic direction and policy formulation of CRIN.
  • It is composed of representatives from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, academia, private sector stakeholders, and other relevant bodies.
  • The council ensures alignment with national agricultural goals and supervises the institute’s activities.

Executive Management

  • Executive Director (ED): The Executive Director leads CRIN, overseeing administration, research, and financial activities.
  • Represents CRIN in governmental and international affairs.
  • Ensures the implementation of the institute’s vision, mission, and mandates.

Research Departments

CRIN is structured into specialized departments that focus on research and development for its mandate crops:

  • Cocoa Research Department: Works on improving cocoa varieties, pest and disease management, and production techniques.
  • Kola Research Department: Focuses on kola crop production, utilization, and disease control.
  • Cashew Research Department: Develops strategies for improving cashew yield and quality.
  • Coffee Research Department: Conducts research on coffee agronomy, quality enhancement, and pest control.
  • Tea Research Department: Enhances tea cultivation and processing methods.

Support Departments

  • Extension Services Department: Disseminates research findings and innovations to farmers and stakeholders.
  • Training and Capacity Building Department: Organizes workshops, training programs, and seminars for farmers, researchers, and extension workers.
  • Post-Harvest Technology Department: Focuses on improving processing, storage, and value addition for mandate crops.
  • Biotechnology and Crop Improvement Department: Advances genetic research and breeding programs.

Administrative and Operational Units

  • Human Resources Department: Manages staff recruitment, training, and welfare.
  • Finance Department: Oversees budgeting, financial management, and audits.
  • Procurement Department: Manages the acquisition of goods and services.
  • Public Relations Unit: Handles CRIN’s image, media relations, and communication with stakeholders.

Field Stations and Substations

CRIN operates multiple field stations and substations in key agricultural regions across Nigeria to conduct localized research and support farmers.

Collaborative Units

  • Works with national and international research institutions, universities, NGOs, and private sector stakeholders to advance agricultural research and development goals.

This hierarchical structure ensures that CRIN effectively fulfills its mission of advancing agricultural research and innovation for Nigeria’s economic and rural development.

 Summary

The Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), established in 1964, is a premier agricultural research institution headquartered in Ibadan, Oyo State. It operates under the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. CRIN is primarily tasked with conducting research to improve the productivity, quality, and sustainability of cocoa and four other mandate crops: kola, cashew, coffee, and tea.