Causes of low productivity of cocoa in Ghana: farmers' perspectives and insights from research and the socio-political establishment

Causes of low productivity of cocoa in Ghana: farmers' perspectives and insights from research and the socio-political establishment [1]

Ghana is a major producer of cocoa in the world and relies heavily on the crop for foreign exchange revenue. However, production declined since the mid-1960s, reaching its lowest level in 1983. Although production has increased consistently since the mid-1980s, it still is less than the level attained in the mid-1960s. The decline is partly a result of decreasing areas under cultivation. Another problem in cocoa production in Ghana is low yields per ha, which is attributed to the incidence of pests and diseases, a low producer price, and non-adoption of research recommendations. Based on the idea that current research and extension messages might insufficiently address farmers' actual problems and context, a diagnostic study was carried out to better understand farmers' views on the problems of cocoa production. The study was conducted in three villages in the Suhum-Kraboa-Coalter District, Eastern Region, Ghana.

Original Source [2]

Publication Date:

01/12/2004

Author(s): E. N. A. Dormon [3], A. Van Huis [4], C. Leeuwis & et al [5]

Source: NJAS - Wageningen Journal of Life Sciences [6]

Vol:

Issue:

3-4

pp:

237-259

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