Cocoa Farmers` Involvement in Cocoa Production-Related Activities in Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Aims: Assessment of the involvement of farmers in cocoa production-related activities with a view to improving qualities and quantities of cocoa production in Oyo State, Nigeria. Study Design: Random sampling. Place and Duration of Study: Oyo State, Nigeria; 2017/2018. Methodology: This study specifically ascertained the socio-economic characteristics (of the respondents in the study area), the source of information on cocoa production-related activities and constraints faced by farmers in cocoa production-related activities. The involvement of farmers in pre-planting, post-planting, processing and marketing activities were also looked into. A purposive sampling technique was used to select 110 cocoa farmers in the study area. Data was collected using a comprehensive questionnaire and analysis was done using means, frequencies, percentages, Chi-square and Pearson Product Moment correlation. Results: The study revealed that 42.8% of the respondents cultivated between 2-4 acres, 39.1% had a yield of 343 kg-513 kg per hectare, while 43.8% sold their cocoa beans between N685-N777 (1.90-2.16USD) per kilogram during the peak season. 45.0% of the respondents were fully involved in weed control, 50.9% of them were fully involved in planting, 50.9% of the respondents were fully involved in pest and disease control. About 55.5% of the respondents accessed information from Cocoa Farmers’ Association of Nigeria (CFAN). Conclusion: Myriads of financial and infrastructural constraints militated against the mostly small cocoa farmholders' production capabilities in Oyo State, Nigeria. This study is therefore expected to assist local and state governments, non-governmental organisations and policy makers to begin appropriate development interventions to boost the quantity and quality of cocoa production in the country.