Client: Cocoa Association of Nigeria (CAN)

Industry: Agriculture, Cocoa Farming, Agricultural Associations

Project Scope: Website Development, Digital Transformation, UI/UX Design, and Membership Management System

Project Overview

Cocoa Association of Nigeria (CAN) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the cocoa industry in Nigeria. The association serves cocoa farmers, exporters, and other stakeholders within the cocoa value chain. CAN sought to modernize its digital presence and streamline its member management processes.

QueryTech partnered with CAN to deliver a comprehensive web solution that included a new website, a digital membership management system, and an intuitive user interface (UI) to enhance user experience. The goal was to create a platform that could effectively manage memberships, provide vital resources for members, and serve as a hub for industry updates and engagement.

Challenge

Cocoa Association of Nigeria required a digital solution that could:

• Improve the user experience for both existing members and potential new members.
• Provide an easy-to-navigate website that served as an information hub for the cocoa industry in Nigeria.
• Streamline membership registration, renewal, and management, making it easier for farmers and stakeholders to engage with the association.
• Integrate real-time updates on cocoa market trends, industry news, and agricultural resources.
• Ensure that the platform could scale as the association’s membership and activities expanded.

Solution

To meet the needs of CAN, QueryTech developed a tailored solution using a combination of modern technologies designed for scalability, ease of use, and enhanced user engagement.

1. Custom Website Development with Laravel

QueryTech built the core website using Laravel, a secure, robust PHP framework:

• Content Management System (CMS): The CMS was designed to allow CAN's team to easily update industry news, events, and resources for its members.
• Member-Only Sections: We created private areas for members to access exclusive content, such as market reports, industry insights, and membership benefits.
• Real-Time Updates: The website was designed to feature live updates on cocoa industry trends, agricultural tips, and association events, ensuring members stayed informed.

2. User-Friendly Frontend Design with Tailwind CSS

For the frontend design, QueryTech employed Tailwind CSS, a utility-first framework that enabled a responsive and aesthetically pleasing design:

• Mobile-First Design: The website was optimized for mobile users, ensuring members could access important information and services on the go.
• Clear Navigation: The design prioritized easy navigation, with intuitive menus for members to quickly find information on membership, cocoa farming tips, and industry updates.
• Branding Alignment: The design elements were carefully selected to reflect CAN's professional identity while maintaining a visually engaging user experience.

3. Membership Management System with Livewire

To streamline membership registration, renewals, and engagement, QueryTech integrated Livewire:

• Real-Time Membership Registration: A dynamic, real-time registration and renewal system allowed members to sign up or renew their memberships with ease.
• Automated Member Communication: The system automatically sent confirmation emails, reminders for renewal, and alerts about upcoming events, ensuring effective communication with members.
• Member Profiles: CAN members were able to create and manage their profiles, allowing for personalized experiences on the website.

4. VPS Hosting and Virtualmin Management

The website was hosted on a VPS server managed through Virtualmin to ensure performance and reliability:

• Optimized Server Performance: The VPS was optimized to ensure fast load times and smooth user experiences, even with high traffic during peak seasons or events.
• Security and Monitoring: Using Virtualmin, we implemented SSL certificates, firewalls, and backup systems to ensure secure and reliable website performance.
• Database Management: Efficient management of client, product, and service data, allowing CAN to quickly retrieve and update information as needed.

5. Email Hosting with Private Email

In addition to website development, QueryTech provided Private Email Hosting services to CAN, ensuring professional and secure communication for members and staff:

• Custom Email Addresses: Email accounts were created for the association, allowing for professional communications (e.g., info@cancocoa.test).
• Secure Communication: The email system was encrypted, ensuring that sensitive membership data and internal communications were secure.
• Reliability: The email hosting solution ensured uninterrupted communication for the association’s operations.

Results

The digital transformation provided by QueryTech for Cocoa Association of Nigeria resulted in several key outcomes:

• Enhanced Member Experience: The new website and membership management system made it easier for members to access resources, renew memberships, and stay informed about industry updates.
• Improved Member Engagement: Real-time updates on cocoa market trends, agricultural best practices, and CAN events kept members engaged and informed.
• Streamlined Operations: The automated membership system allowed CAN to efficiently manage memberships, improving internal operations and saving time on manual processing.
• Scalable Platform: The system is designed to scale as CAN’s membership grows and new functionalities are added.
• Professional Communication: The secure Private Email Hosting ensured CAN maintained a professional and reliable communication channel with its members and partners.

Technologies Used

• Laravel (Backend Framework)
• Tailwind CSS (Design Framework)
• Livewire (Real-Time Dynamic Components)
• VPS Hosting (Managed via Virtualmin)
• Private Email Hosting (Secure and Professional Email Services)

Conclusion

QueryTech successfully delivered a modern, scalable digital solution for Cocoa Association of Nigeria, helping the association improve its online presence, member engagement, and internal communication. The combination of the TALL Stack, membership system, and Private Email Hosting has empowered CAN to continue growing and providing value to its members in the cocoa industry. This project highlights QueryTech’s ability to provide tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of agricultural and non-profit organizations, driving digital transformation in the sector.