DRIVERS OF KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, PRACTICE, ASPIRATION AND PERCEPTIONS OF SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE STANDARD: EVIDENCE FROM CERTIFIED COCOA FARMERS IN GHANA

Abstract

The study’s objective was to assess the drivers of certified cocoa farmers’ knowledge, attitude, practice, aspiration and perception of sustainable agriculture standard (SAS) by the Rainforest Alliance Cocoa Certification Program (RACCP) in Ghana. Using a survey design, a sample size of 400 certified cocoa farmers was selected using the multistage sampling technique. Data was analysed using mean, standard deviation, frequency, percentage, perception index and ordered logit model with STATA and Microsoft Excel 2016. Certified cocoa farmers agreed to the extension teaching methods used, the protocol, and the benefits of SAS but were neutral towards the payment of the premium. The respondents had a high level of knowledge, a positive attitude, a high level of practice and a high level of aspiration for SAS. Years of schooling, extension contact, credit access, support from Licensed Buying Companies (LBC) and farming experience were the socio-economic drivers of farmers’ knowledge, attitude, practice, aspiration and perception at varying significant levels. The study recommends broader consultation on premium prices by LBCs in the cocoa certification industry.

Keywords

• certification
• cocoa farmers
• extension teaching methods
• perception
• premium
• rainforest alliance
• sustainable agriculture standard