Factors influencing adoption of cocoa agroforestry in Ghana: Analysis based on tree density choice

Despite the beneficial effects of cocoa agroforestry on cocoa production and yield levels, adoption is below expectation while the factors driving adoption are not well known. This study therefore explored the typology of cocoa agroforestry (AF) in Ghana and the drivers of adoption using cross-sectional data from cocoa producers in Ghana’s Sefwi Wiawso Municipal. A 5-point Likert scale was used to analyze farmers’ perceptions of cocoa AF while an ordered probit model was applied to assess the factors influencing adoption of cocoa AF. The study revealed that the cocoa landscape in the study area consisted of 7.51% full sun, 31.62% low shade, 30.83% medium shade and 30.04% high shade. Moreover, adoption of cocoa AF was influenced by farmer characteristics (such as sex, farming experience, and household size), farm-specific factors (such as total farm size, number of cocoa farms), and institutional factors (such as involvement in off-farm work, participation in AF training, farmer association membership, and participation in cocoa hand pollination exercise. The most important constraint affecting cocoa AF adoption is poor communication of the benefits of shade trees on cocoa farming. We conclude that farmers are indifferent to the adoption of the AF systems, while the adoption determinants vary across the typology of AF systems. The authors recommend provision of effective training of farmers on cocoa AF to increase adoption. Also, the benefits of cocoa AF should be effectively communicated to farmers via appropriate communications channels such as cooperative groups and farmers’ fora to enhance adoption of the technology.