The Impact of EU Environmental Standards on Nigerian Agricultural Exports: A Study of Cocoa Farmers in Ondo State

This research examines how European Union food safety and environmental standards, particularly the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), affect cocoa farmers and export cooperatives in Ondo State, South-West Nigeria. Nigeria is among the top cocoa-producing nations, and the EU is a major destination for Nigerian cocoa exports. The introduction of stringent EU due diligence requirements on deforestation-linked commodities, effective from 2024, has generated significant concern among smallholder farmers who may lack the technical capacity to document land-use compliance. This descriptive study focuses on selected cocoa farming communities in the Ondo State cocoa belt, using structured questionnaires and focus group discussions with farmers, cooperative leaders, and agricultural extension officers. Secondary data from the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and the EU official gazette are used to contextualise trade exposure. The study investigates the awareness levels among farmers regarding the EUDR, the costs of compliance, and the potential impact on export volumes and incomes. Findings indicate that while awareness of the regulation is growing, practical compliance capacity is severely constrained by limited access to digital mapping tools, land tenure documentation, and certified training. Recommendations focus on targeted EU-Nigeria technical assistance programmes to support farmer compliance without disrupting export flows. Keywords: EU Deforestation Regulation, cocoa, Ondo State, agricultural exports, compliance.