Nigeria, with its rich agricultural history, is becoming a notable player in the coffee industry. The Truly Experiences blog delves into Nigeria’s coffee production, highlighting unique flavors, cultivation methods, and the rise of specialty coffee. Learn about the regions producing top-quality beans and the impact of coffee on local economies. This guide provides coffee enthusiasts with an in-depth look at Nigeria’s burgeoning coffee scene and its potential on the global stage.
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The History Of Nigerian Coffee
It’s believed that coffee was first introduced to Nigeria in the late 19th Century, with the very first recorded dates of exports taking place in 1896. Over the next several decades, coffee became a major cash crop for farmers throughout the country. In the latter half of the 1930s, just a few decades after the crop was first introduced to Nigeria, the government began to promote its cultivation of it by making both robusta and arabica seeds available to farmers across the country.
However, as we’re now well into the 21st Century, Nigerian coffee production appears to be on the decline. Coffee production in Nigeria has been facing a number of issues in recent years. The amount of land allotted to coffee farming has dropped drastically, and many farms throughout the country are facing soil that has been depleted of its nutrients. There is also a wide skills gap that continues to grow, as most of the coffee farmers in Nigeria belong to older generations.
Robusta currently accounts for 90% of all coffee exports in Nigeria, as it is grown in 14 states, including Jos, Bauchi, Oyo, Abia, Cross River, Taraba, Ekiti, Ondo, Delta, Kwara, Ogun, Akwa Ibom, and Edo.
How Much Coffee Is Produced In Nigeria?
The production of Nigerian coffee has shown steady signs of decline over the past few years. There was, however, a massive increase of 10.66% in 2016. Since then, this figure has continued to fall steadily. In 2019, the country produced 1,901 tonnes of coffee. However, that figure declined by 0.74% in 2020, dropping down to just 1,887 tonnes.
Types Of Coffee Grown In Nigeria
Nigeria is a major producer of Robusta coffee. Grown in 14 states, Robusta makes up a whopping 96% of Nigerian coffee production, covering over 5000 hectares of land. Following the production of Robusta coffee beans is Arabica, which takes up just 4% of the country’s overall coffee production. Making up the final 2% of the country’s coffee production is Liberica coffee beans. Overall, it is clear that coffee grown in Nigeria is targeted at an instant coffee market.
What Is Nigeria Green Coffee Beans?
Green coffee is made from un-roasted Arabica beans. It has a very distinct taste compared to that of roasted coffee beans. This kind of coffee is actually in high demand in Nigeria, owing to the fact that it is believed to have plenty of health benefits, including weight loss, lower blood pressure, reduced cholesterol, and increased energy.
What Does Nigeria Coffee Taste Like?
Typically, the coffee in Nigeria has flavour notes of fruit and chocolate, but with hints of floral aromas. Many believe this is due to the fact that the country’s coffee is mostly grown in high-altitude environments, which gives the coffee a sweeter taste.
Is Nigerian Coffee Good?
While Robusta does make up most of the coffee grown in Nigeria, which largely contributes to instant coffee blends, a small handful of independent farmers have started to grow high-quality Arabica beans. This has resulted in better quality coffees emerging from the country.
How Do Nigerians Make Coffee?
Nigeria’s coffee culture is quite different from many parts of the world. Large coffee chains have been unable to break into the market, as the coffee culture is based largely on purchasing cups from street vendors. In a country where the average person lives on just US$2 per day, being able to pay just a couple of cents for a cup of instant coffee is exactly what the majority of people need.
The Best Nigerian Coffee Brands To Try
While the majority of Nigeria’s coffee is attributed to Nescafe instant beverages, there are still small, independent brands for coffee lovers to try. One such brand is Happy Coffee, which is perhaps best known for its sweet “Nigerian Blend”. Another excellent brand to try is Mai Shayi, which also exhibits sweet and fruity flavours.
One thing’s for sure, if you love the kick of caffeine, there are plenty of options!
Dan is a former competition barista and has been honing his knowledge of coffee for over two decades.
He has worked in coffee farms in Peru, as well as roasters in Australia. He now trains new baristas and hosts cupping experiences in Austin.