There is urgent need for both constituents and non-constituents of the Bende North to increase their investments in agriculture, cash crops like Cocoa, and their associated value chains. 

My position is hinged on the knowledge I garnered from my observation and experience during my visit to Brussels in Belgium, which is in tandem with Proverbs 11 vs 9: “But by knowledge, the righteous are delivered.” 

Recently, l was a visitor to the red and green chambers – the House of Representatives of the Belgian parliament in Brussels. Among the many lessons that l learned on the role of comparative legislation in development, I learnt that the development of Belgium was knowledge-based and also driven by its adoption and proper adaptation. 

It was also an outcome of the proper utilisation of inherent potential and opportunities in her environment. And of course, a concrete example of the results of determination propelled by discipline. And all these are quite evident in various aspects of the lives of the people identified with the Kingdom of Belgium; a testament to the country’s global ranking, in the area of highly developed transportation system and infrastructure; mainly ports (most notably the Port of Antwerp). 

And one might ask: What is the correlation between Belgium and Bende North State Constituency or what is in it for Umunna? And my answer is quite a lot, if not so much more. 

For instance, Bende North has inherent abundant, but untapped agricultural potential. 

This means by adopting and adapting requisite knowledge as well as tapping into various opportunities in the agricultural value chains of Bende North, its hidden investment opportunities would be unleashed and unshackled. 

This will in turn lead to the establishment of micro and macro agro-allied industries; create numerous job opportunities, generate income for a majority of our people, and revenue for the government. 

More so, it will set a pedestal for an overall development. But to do this requires the right knowledge. 

Consequently, comparative knowledge from developed countries, especially on how they arrived at the current development destination, becomes quite instructive and sacrosanct. This is hinged on the fact that knowledge transfer through learning especially on development, utilisation of available opportunities and adaptation of similar approaches in line with innovation and invention will orchestrate the same feat, if not surpassing it. 

And it is in this respect, that l salute the industrious nature, dexterity, and can-do spirit of our people which has placed us as the doyens of trade and commerce in the country. 

One might even wonder aloud, but Umunna is not a country like Belgium. My answer will simply be that about eighty percent of Belgium’s economy is driven by private ventures and businesses. Hence, my incessant calls for private sector investments in Umunna. 

Kindly pause a while and imagine what would happen if the same acumen, resilience and spirit were to be deployed in the agricultural sub-sector in Bende North, with the right determination and discipline. The people in the private sector that l know and have an unflinching belief in will overtake Malaysia, China and India in palm oil exports, cassava and its ancillaries respectively. 

This is also true in other associated produce and products in the agricultural value chains. 

It is, therefore, a vaulting desire for me to see a Bende North-Umunna where knowledge, agriculture education and investment are embraced by the people holistically, to the extent that it serves as an engine of growth and development. 

You will agree with me that there is a need for more investments in agriculture and its value chains by the constituents and non-constituents alike. 

Bende North, a constituency known for its rich agricultural heritage, is emerging as a hotspot for investment opportunities in the cashew, bush mango, palm and cocoa value chains with its favourable climate, fertile soil and abundant natural resources, as the region presents a promising landscape for investors looking to tap into the agricultural sector. 

Let me delve into the potential investment opportunities and the economic significance of these value chains in Bende North. 

Bende North boasts a thriving cashew value chain, with its vast plantations producing high-quality cashew nuts. The region’s favourable climate and soil conditions contribute to the superior taste and quality of the cashews. Investors can explore opportunities in cashew processing, packaging and export as the demand for cashew products continues to rise globally. Additionally, the establishment of cashew processing factories in Bende North can create employment opportunities and boost the local economy. 

The bush mango, also known as “Ogbono,” is a highly sought-after commodity in both local and international markets. Bende North is blessed with abundant bush mango trees, making it an ideal location for investment in the bush mango value chain. Investors can consider setting up processing units for the extraction of bush mango seeds, which are used in various culinary applications and pharmaceutical products. By investing in this value chain, entrepreneurs can tap into the growing demand for bush mango products and contribute to the economic growth of the region. 

Palm oil is a versatile and widely consumed commodity, and Bende North’s palm plantations offer immense potential for investment in the palm value chain. The region’s fertile soil and favourable climatic conditions make it an ideal location for palm oil production. Investors can explore opportunities in palm oil processing, refining and marketing. Furthermore, the by-products of palm oil, such as palm kernel oil and palm kernel cake, have various industrial applications, further enhancing the investment potential in this value chain. 

Bende North is also known for its cocoa production, with its plantations yielding high-quality cocoa beans. The global demand for cocoa and its by-products, such as cocoa powder and cocoa butter, continues to grow steadily. Investors can consider establishing cocoa processing units to meet this demand. By investing in the cocoa value chain, entrepreneurs can contribute to the development of the local cocoa industry, create employment opportunities, and enhance the region’s economic growth. 

Bende North presents a wealth of investment opportunities in the cashew, bush mango, palm and cocoa value chains. The region’s favorable climate, fertile soil and abundant natural resources make it an attractive destination for agricultural investments. By tapping into these value chains, investors can contribute to the economic development of the region, create employment opportunities and meet the growing global demand for these agricultural commodities. Bende North is poised to become a hub for agricultural investments, offering a promising future for those looking to capitalise on its potential. 

*Chimdi is a lawmaker representing Bende North Constituency, Abia State