When Was Nut Established In Nigeria

Nigeria is a country blessed with lots of natural resources. One of these resources is the nut. The nut is a fruit that contains a single seed, which is encased in a hard shell. In Nigeria, the nut is a significant part of the country's economy, as it is used for various purposes such as food, cosmetics, and medicine. Nut has been in Nigeria for a long time, and in this article, we will discuss when nut was established in Nigeria.

What is Nut?

Before we delve into the history of nut in Nigeria, let us first understand what nut is. Nut is a fruit that comes from the family of trees called Anacardiaceae. The fruit has a hard shell that encases a single seed. It is rich in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients such as magnesium, potassium, and calcium. Nut is consumed in various forms, including roasted, boiled, raw, and processed.

The History of Nut in Nigeria

The history of nut in Nigeria dates back to the early 20th century when the British brought the first seeds of the Cashew Tree, which is the tree that produces the nut. The Cashew Tree is a tropical tree that originated from Brazil but was introduced to other parts of the world, including Nigeria. The Cashew Tree was first planted in Nigeria in the Northern part of the country, where it thrived due to the favorable climatic conditions.

In the 1930s, the Cashew Tree was established in the Western and Eastern parts of Nigeria. The tree grew rapidly, and by the 1950s, Nigeria became one of the largest producers of nut in the world. The nut was primarily used for export, and it was a significant source of revenue for the country.

Nut Production in Nigeria

The production of nut in Nigeria has grown rapidly over the years. According to the National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN), Nigeria is the largest producer of nut in Africa and the fourth-largest in the world. The country produces an average of 220,000 metric tons of nut annually, with an estimated value of $300 million.

The nut is grown in various parts of the country, including Oyo, Kogi, Anambra, Enugu, and Kwara states. The nut is grown by both small-scale and large-scale farmers, with small-scale farmers accounting for about 80% of the production. The nut is harvested between February and June, and the peak of the harvest season is between March and April.

Uses of Nut in Nigeria

Nut has several uses in Nigeria, and it is an essential part of the country's economy. Some of the uses of nut in Nigeria include:

Food

Nut is a popular snack in Nigeria, especially during festive periods. It is consumed roasted, boiled, or processed into various forms such as nut butter, nut milk, and nut flour. Nut is also used in the preparation of several local dishes such as Egusi soup, Ofe Akwu, and Gbegiri soup.

Cosmetics

Nut is rich in essential oils, which are used in the production of cosmetics such as soaps, shampoos, and body creams.

Medicine

Nut has several health benefits, and it is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as fever, diarrhea, and stomach pains.

Challenges Facing Nut Production in Nigeria

Despite the significant contributions of nut to the Nigerian economy, the production of nut in Nigeria is faced with several challenges. Some of these challenges include:

Poor Storage Facilities

The lack of proper storage facilities is a major challenge facing nut production in Nigeria. The nut is highly perishable, and if not stored properly, it can spoil quickly, leading to significant losses for farmers.

Lack of Access to Credit Facilities

Most small-scale farmers do not have access to credit facilities, which makes it difficult for them to invest in their farms and increase production.

Poor Infrastructure

The poor state of roads and other infrastructure in rural areas makes it difficult for farmers to transport their produce to the market, leading to significant losses.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, nut has been in Nigeria for a long time, and it has become an essential part of the country's economy. The nut is used for various purposes such as food, cosmetics, and medicine, and it has several health benefits. Despite the challenges facing nut production in Nigeria, the country remains one of the largest producers of nut in the world, and it has the potential to increase production and contribute significantly to the Nigerian economy.