Performance of Rehabilitated Cocoa Farms in the Assin North Municipality of Ghana

Abstract

Although Ghana is a highly recognised country in the global cocoa industry, average production per ha is described among the lowest in the world; a situation which is blamed on aging tree stocks and other factors. Through sector policy reforms, government instituted and supported activities including gradual rehabilitation of over-aged cocoa farms with improved variety with the aim of boosting productivity and overall cocoa production. Although the rehabilitation of the cocoa farms is ongoing, research has not covered much on the performance of the rehabilitated cocoa farms.  The study assessed the yield performance of rehabilitated cocoa farms in the Assin North municipality. The study involved a descriptive survey in which data was obtained with questionnaires and administered by interviewers. A total of 115 farmers were purposively drawn from 5 communities in the district.

It was found that the rehabilitated cocoa farms (RCFs) were planted with hybrid varieties and starts yielding in the 3^rd year. Recorded average yield of 533kg/ha in the 4^th year and 742kg/ha in the 5^th year are 33% and 85% higher than the national average of 400kg/ha. Productivity was positively correlated with age of trees and tree survival rate but negatively correlated to farm size. Farmers described growth rate, general appearing (vigour), pest and disease resistance, and yield to be significantly better than the old crop.

KEY WORKS: performance, rehabilitated, cocoa, productivity, hybrid