Cocoa agroforestry systems and yield dynamics within the Offinso Municipality of Ghana.
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Aug 27, 2023
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Cocoa production remains an important player in Ghana’s economy. Over the years, there has been a shift from the traditional cocoa agroforestry system to full-sun cocoa production. Due to extreme exposure to high temperatures, sunlight and drought, the photosynthetic mechanism of cocoa is altered, reducing yield.Cocoa agroforestry provides economic, social, and ecological benefits and plays subsistence functions such food and fuelwood. The study was carried out to assess cocoa agroforestry systems based on shade and its effect on yield in the Offinso Municipality of Ghana. The study aimed to identify the types of cocoa agroforestry systems based on shade, determine the factors affecting cocoa agroforestry systems and assess the impact of shade regime on cocoa yield in the municipality. Purposively cocoa farmers were randomly and were adminis-tered with questionnaires. The study revealed that farmers in the Offinso Municipality practice all types of cocoa agroforestry systems (full sun, low shade, medium shade, and heavy shade). The cultivation of cocoa under medium shade (15–18 trees ha-1) proved to be beneficial and essential for the long-term production ofcocoa. The medium-shade cocoa recorded a higher average yield of 1576 kg ha-1. Six common shade trees identified include Terminalia superba (ofram), Ricinodendron heudelotii (wawa) and Chlorophora excelsa (odum). Some challenges faced as a result of practicing the cocoa agroforestry system were pest infestationand diseases such as that of the black pod. Cocoa agroforestry still holds the key to sustainable future outputs in cocoa production as it drives the realization of SDG goal 13 (climate action). There is therefore the need to educate farmers on managing their farms with trees for optimum ecological and economic benefits.
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Quainoo-Mensah, F., Afele, J., & Gorleku, D. (2023). Cocoa agroforestry systems and yield dynamics within the Offinso Municipality of Ghana. Pelita Perkebunan (a Coffee and Cocoa Research Journal), 39(2), 129-140. https://doi.org/10.22302/iccri.jur.pelitaperkebunan.v39i2.553
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References
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Amooh, M.K. (2017). Shade Management Options in cocoa agroforestry systems in two ecological zones in Ghana. MPhil Thesis, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana. 130p
Asante, W. A.; G. Ahoma; B. A. Gyampoh; B. Kyereh & R. Asare. (2021). Upper canopy tree crown architecture and its implications for shade in cocoa agroforestry systems in the western region of Ghana. Trees, Forests and People, 5, 100100.
Asare, R. (2005). Cocoa agroforests in West Africa: a look at activities on preferred trees in the farming systems. The Danish Center for Forest. Landscape and Planning (KVL), Horsholm pp 1-89.
Asare, R. (2019). The nexus between cocoa production and deforestation. Grain De Sel, 78, 26–27.
Asare, R.; B. Markussen; R.A. Asare; G. Anim-Kwapong & A. Ræbild (2017). On-farm cocoa yields increase with canopy cover of shade trees in two agro-ecological zones in Ghana. Climate and Development, 11(5), 435-445.
Atkins, J. E.; & I. Eastin (2012). Seeing the trees: farmer perceptions of indigenous forest trees within the cultivated cocoa landscape. The Forestry Chronicle, 88(5), 535-541.
Avane, A.; B. Amfo; R. Aidoo & J. O. Mensah (2022). Adoption of organic fertilizer for cocoa production in Ghana: perceptions and determinants. African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development, 14(3), 718-729.
Boateng, D.O.; F.N.Y. Codjoe & J. Ofori (2014). Impact of illegal small-scale mining (Galamsey) on cocoa production in Atiwa district of Ghana. International Journal of Advanced Agricultural Research, 2, 89–99.
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana, (CRIG) (2010). Cocoa Manual, A Source Book for Sustainable Cocoa Production. Researchgate.net/publication/283018115, pp. 20.
Oduro-Ofori, E.; A.P. Aboagye & N. A. E. Acquaye (2014). Effects of education on the agricultural productivity of farmers in the Offinso Municipality. Int. J. Dev. Res, 4(9), 1951-1960.
Garen, E. J.; K. Saltonstall; M. S. Ashton; J. L. Slusser; S. Mathias & J. S. Hall (2011). The tree planting and protecting culture of cattle ranchers and small-scale agriculturalists in rural Panama: opportunities for reforestation and land restoration. Forest Ecology and Management, 261(10), 1684-1695.Kyereh, D. (2017). Shade trees in cocoa agroforestry systems in Ghana: influence on water and light availability in dry seasons. JAERI, 10, 1-7.
Gemechu, H. W.; D. Lemessa & D. B. Jiru (2021). A comparative analysis of indigenous and exotic tree species management practices in agricultural landscapes of southwest Ethiopia.Trees, Forests and People, 4, 100059.
Ghana Statistical Service (2021). Ghana 2021 Population and Housing Census. General Report. Volume 3A, Accra, Ghana.
Gibson, J. (2007). Consistently Inconsistent: Addressing income volatility among cocoa producers in Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire. International Institute for Sustainable Development, Winnipeg, Canada, 1-48.
Kodom, M.; S. B. Azumah; N. A. Boateng; E. M. Tsekpo; K. B. Mensah & E. Boateng (2022). Changing the perceptions and attitudes of rural Ghanaian youth towards cocoa farming. Development in Practice, 1-10.
Kyereh, D. (2017). Shade trees in cocoa agroforestry systems in Ghana: influence on water and light availability in dry seasons. JAERI, 10, 1-7.
Maguire–Rajpaul, V.A; K. Khatun & A.M. Hiros (2020). Agriculture informations impact on the adaptive capacity of Ghana’s smallholder cocoa farmers. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 4(28), 1–19.
Mattalia, G.; A. Wezel; P.; Costet; P. Jagoret; O. Deheuvels; P. Migliorini & C. David (2022). Contribution of cacao agroforestry versus mono-cropping systems for enhanced sustainability. A review with a focus on yield. Agroforestry Systems, 96(7), 1077-1089.
Mikell, G. (1992). Cocoa and Chaos in Ghana. Howard University Press, Washington, DC.
Nimo, E.; E. Dawoe & J.T. Afele (2021). A comparative study of carbon storage in two shade- types of cocoa and a teak plantation in the moist semi-deciduous forest zone of Ghana. Pelita Perkebunan, 37(1), 50–61.
Nunoo, I.; V. Owusu and B. Darko Obiri (2014) Cocoa agroforestry a bridge for sustainable organic cocoa production. In: Rahmann, G. and Oksay, U. (Eds.) Building Organic Bridges, Johann Heinrich von Thünen-Institut, Braunschweig, Germany,2, Thuenen Report, no. 20, pp. 555-558.
Ofori-Frimpong, K.; A.A. Afrifa & A. Acquaye (2010). Impact of shade and cocoa plants density on soil organic carbon sequestration rates in a cocoa growing soil of Ghana. African Journal of Environmental Science and Technology Vol 4(9), pp 621-624.
Obiri, B. D.; G. A. Bright; M. A. McDonald; L. C. N. Anglaaere & J. Cobbina, (2007), Financial Analysis of Shaded Cocoa in Ghana, Agroforestry Systems, 71 139- 149.
Orozco-Aguilar, L.; A. López-Sampson; M. E. Leandro-Muñoz; V. Robiglio; M. Reyes; M. Bordeaux & E. Somarriba (2021). Elucidating pathways and discourses linking cocoa cultivation to deforestation, reforestation, and tree cover change in Nicaragua and Peru. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 5, 199.
Osman, N.; J. T. Afele; E. Nimo; D. O. Gorleku; L. A. Ofori & A. A. Abunyewa (2022). Assessing the Impact of Illegal Small-Scale Mining (Galamsey) on Cocoa Farming and Farmer Livelihood: A Case Study in the Amansie West District of Ghana. Pelita Perkebunan, 38 (1), 70-74
Owusu, V. & F. K. Frimpong (2014). Impact of cocoa agroforests on yield and household income: Evidence from Ghana. Contributed paper prepared for presentation at the 88th Annual Conference of the Agricultural Economics Society, AgroParisTech, Paris, France (No. 356-2016-18239).
Padi, B. & G. K. Owusu (2003). Towards an integrated pest management for sustainable cocoa production in Ghana. Paper from a workshop held in Panama, 3/30-4/2, 1998. Smithsonian Institution. Washington, D.C.
Ruf, R. & H. Zadi (1998). Cocoa: from deforestation to reforestation. In: First International workshop on suitable cocoa growing, Smithsonian Institute, Panama. Smithsonian Institute, Panama.
OY-STCP, I. N. D. U. F. O. R. (2002). Ex post evaluation report on ITTO projects in the field of sustainable forest management implemented in Latin America. INDUFOR OY-STCP Engenheria de Projetos Ltda, Executive Summary ITTO, Yokohama, Japón.
UNDP [United Nations Development Programme. Environmental baseline report on cocoa in Ghana. UNDP Ghana Consultancy Report, UNDP, Accra; 2011.
Uribe, A.; H. Mendez and J. Mantilla (2001) Effect of Balanced fertilization on cocoa yield. Better Crops International, Vol. 15, (2001) pp. 1-3. University Press. Cambridge, USA.
Yamoah, F. A.; J. S. Kaba, D. Botchie & J. Amankwah-Amoah (2021). Working towards sustainable innovation for green waste benefits: the role of awareness of consequences in the adoption of shaded cocoa agroforestry in Ghana. Sustainability, 13(3), 1453.
Zuidema, P. A.; P. A. Leffelaar; W. Gerritsma; L. Mommer & N. P. Anten (2005). A physiological production model for cocoa (Theobroma cacao): model presentation, validation and application. Agricultural Systems, 84(2), 195-225.
Afele, J.T.; E. Dawoe; A.A. Abunyewa; Afari-Sefa & R. Asare (2021). Carbon storage in cocoa growing systems across different agroecological zones in Ghana. Pelita Perkebunan, 37(1), 32– 49.
Afele, J.T., E. Nimo; B. Lawal & I.K. Afele (2022). Deforestation in Ghana; Evidence from selected Forest Reserves across six ecological zones. International Journal of Forest, Animal and Fisheries Research, 6(1), 7-17.
Alvim, P. D. T.; & T. T. Kozlowski (Eds.). (2013). Ecophysiology of tropical crops.Elsevier.
Ameyaw, L.K.; G. J. Ettl; K. Leissle & G. J. Anim-Kwapong (2018). Cocoa and climate change: Insights from smallholder cocoa producers in Ghana regarding challenges in implementing climate change mitigation strategies. Forests, 9(12), 742.
Amooh, M.K. (2017). Shade Management Options in cocoa agroforestry systems in two ecological zones in Ghana. MPhil Thesis, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana. 130p
Asante, W. A.; G. Ahoma; B. A. Gyampoh; B. Kyereh & R. Asare. (2021). Upper canopy tree crown architecture and its implications for shade in cocoa agroforestry systems in the western region of Ghana. Trees, Forests and People, 5, 100100.
Asare, R. (2005). Cocoa agroforests in West Africa: a look at activities on preferred trees in the farming systems. The Danish Center for Forest. Landscape and Planning (KVL), Horsholm pp 1-89.
Asare, R. (2019). The nexus between cocoa production and deforestation. Grain De Sel, 78, 26–27.
Asare, R.; B. Markussen; R.A. Asare; G. Anim-Kwapong & A. Ræbild (2017). On-farm cocoa yields increase with canopy cover of shade trees in two agro-ecological zones in Ghana. Climate and Development, 11(5), 435-445.
Atkins, J. E.; & I. Eastin (2012). Seeing the trees: farmer perceptions of indigenous forest trees within the cultivated cocoa landscape. The Forestry Chronicle, 88(5), 535-541.
Avane, A.; B. Amfo; R. Aidoo & J. O. Mensah (2022). Adoption of organic fertilizer for cocoa production in Ghana: perceptions and determinants. African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development, 14(3), 718-729.
Boateng, D.O.; F.N.Y. Codjoe & J. Ofori (2014). Impact of illegal small-scale mining (Galamsey) on cocoa production in Atiwa district of Ghana. International Journal of Advanced Agricultural Research, 2, 89–99.
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana, (CRIG) (2010). Cocoa Manual, A Source Book for Sustainable Cocoa Production. Researchgate.net/publication/283018115, pp. 20.
Oduro-Ofori, E.; A.P. Aboagye & N. A. E. Acquaye (2014). Effects of education on the agricultural productivity of farmers in the Offinso Municipality. Int. J. Dev. Res, 4(9), 1951-1960.
Garen, E. J.; K. Saltonstall; M. S. Ashton; J. L. Slusser; S. Mathias & J. S. Hall (2011). The tree planting and protecting culture of cattle ranchers and small-scale agriculturalists in rural Panama: opportunities for reforestation and land restoration. Forest Ecology and Management, 261(10), 1684-1695.Kyereh, D. (2017). Shade trees in cocoa agroforestry systems in Ghana: influence on water and light availability in dry seasons. JAERI, 10, 1-7.
Gemechu, H. W.; D. Lemessa & D. B. Jiru (2021). A comparative analysis of indigenous and exotic tree species management practices in agricultural landscapes of southwest Ethiopia.Trees, Forests and People, 4, 100059.
Ghana Statistical Service (2021). Ghana 2021 Population and Housing Census. General Report. Volume 3A, Accra, Ghana.
Gibson, J. (2007). Consistently Inconsistent: Addressing income volatility among cocoa producers in Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire. International Institute for Sustainable Development, Winnipeg, Canada, 1-48.
Kodom, M.; S. B. Azumah; N. A. Boateng; E. M. Tsekpo; K. B. Mensah & E. Boateng (2022). Changing the perceptions and attitudes of rural Ghanaian youth towards cocoa farming. Development in Practice, 1-10.
Kyereh, D. (2017). Shade trees in cocoa agroforestry systems in Ghana: influence on water and light availability in dry seasons. JAERI, 10, 1-7.
Maguire–Rajpaul, V.A; K. Khatun & A.M. Hiros (2020). Agriculture informations impact on the adaptive capacity of Ghana’s smallholder cocoa farmers. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 4(28), 1–19.
Mattalia, G.; A. Wezel; P.; Costet; P. Jagoret; O. Deheuvels; P. Migliorini & C. David (2022). Contribution of cacao agroforestry versus mono-cropping systems for enhanced sustainability. A review with a focus on yield. Agroforestry Systems, 96(7), 1077-1089.
Mikell, G. (1992). Cocoa and Chaos in Ghana. Howard University Press, Washington, DC.
Nimo, E.; E. Dawoe & J.T. Afele (2021). A comparative study of carbon storage in two shade- types of cocoa and a teak plantation in the moist semi-deciduous forest zone of Ghana. Pelita Perkebunan, 37(1), 50–61.
Nunoo, I.; V. Owusu and B. Darko Obiri (2014) Cocoa agroforestry a bridge for sustainable organic cocoa production. In: Rahmann, G. and Oksay, U. (Eds.) Building Organic Bridges, Johann Heinrich von Thünen-Institut, Braunschweig, Germany,2, Thuenen Report, no. 20, pp. 555-558.
Ofori-Frimpong, K.; A.A. Afrifa & A. Acquaye (2010). Impact of shade and cocoa plants density on soil organic carbon sequestration rates in a cocoa growing soil of Ghana. African Journal of Environmental Science and Technology Vol 4(9), pp 621-624.
Obiri, B. D.; G. A. Bright; M. A. McDonald; L. C. N. Anglaaere & J. Cobbina, (2007), Financial Analysis of Shaded Cocoa in Ghana, Agroforestry Systems, 71 139- 149.
Orozco-Aguilar, L.; A. López-Sampson; M. E. Leandro-Muñoz; V. Robiglio; M. Reyes; M. Bordeaux & E. Somarriba (2021). Elucidating pathways and discourses linking cocoa cultivation to deforestation, reforestation, and tree cover change in Nicaragua and Peru. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 5, 199.
Osman, N.; J. T. Afele; E. Nimo; D. O. Gorleku; L. A. Ofori & A. A. Abunyewa (2022). Assessing the Impact of Illegal Small-Scale Mining (Galamsey) on Cocoa Farming and Farmer Livelihood: A Case Study in the Amansie West District of Ghana. Pelita Perkebunan, 38 (1), 70-74
Owusu, V. & F. K. Frimpong (2014). Impact of cocoa agroforests on yield and household income: Evidence from Ghana. Contributed paper prepared for presentation at the 88th Annual Conference of the Agricultural Economics Society, AgroParisTech, Paris, France (No. 356-2016-18239).
Padi, B. & G. K. Owusu (2003). Towards an integrated pest management for sustainable cocoa production in Ghana. Paper from a workshop held in Panama, 3/30-4/2, 1998. Smithsonian Institution. Washington, D.C.
Ruf, R. & H. Zadi (1998). Cocoa: from deforestation to reforestation. In: First International workshop on suitable cocoa growing, Smithsonian Institute, Panama. Smithsonian Institute, Panama.
OY-STCP, I. N. D. U. F. O. R. (2002). Ex post evaluation report on ITTO projects in the field of sustainable forest management implemented in Latin America. INDUFOR OY-STCP Engenheria de Projetos Ltda, Executive Summary ITTO, Yokohama, Japón.
UNDP [United Nations Development Programme. Environmental baseline report on cocoa in Ghana. UNDP Ghana Consultancy Report, UNDP, Accra; 2011.
Uribe, A.; H. Mendez and J. Mantilla (2001) Effect of Balanced fertilization on cocoa yield. Better Crops International, Vol. 15, (2001) pp. 1-3. University Press. Cambridge, USA.
Yamoah, F. A.; J. S. Kaba, D. Botchie & J. Amankwah-Amoah (2021). Working towards sustainable innovation for green waste benefits: the role of awareness of consequences in the adoption of shaded cocoa agroforestry in Ghana. Sustainability, 13(3), 1453.
Zuidema, P. A.; P. A. Leffelaar; W. Gerritsma; L. Mommer & N. P. Anten (2005). A physiological production model for cocoa (Theobroma cacao): model presentation, validation and application. Agricultural Systems, 84(2), 195-225.