Cocoa Production Case Study

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Increase in Ghana’s cocoa yield has often been attributed to fertilizer application and spraying. A hierarchical regression and curve estimation analysis of 200 farmers from the Suaman District has proven that increase in farm size with good management practices accounts for increase in cocoa yield than fertilizer application and spraying. Based on the findings it is recommended that to curtail the seasonal fluctuation of cocoa yield in Ghana much emphasis ought to be placed on high level of yield sustainability through the expansion of the area under cultivation. 1.0 Introduction Ghana’s cocoa industry has been the main stay of the Ghanaian economy for a long time and remains a considerable source of foreign exchange. Cocoa growing in Ghana started over hundred years ago where there was a remarkable spread of cocoa planting by African farmers which took Ghana to the leading position. Production expanded quickly and soon replaced oil palm as the major export commodity in the country ( Lass, 1999). Although most cocoa production was carried out by peasant farmers on plots of less than three hectares, a small number of farmers appeared to have dominated the trade. The government increased cocoa productivity from 300 kilograms per hectare to compete with Southeast Asian productivity of almost 1,000 kilograms per hectare where emphasis was…show more content…
Performance enhancing inputs and socio-economic inputs were the factors reviewed. The findings of the study indicate that, in ranking the factors according to their relative contribution to yield, farm size contributed significantly to cocoa yield than any other factor. The study therefore recommends that, in a bid to increase output, government would have to ensure effective cocoa farm management and efficient extension supervision. This could be achieved by expanding the area under cultivation and intensifying production on existing

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