Farmers’ knowledge and practices on pollination and insecticide use in cocoa farming in Ghana

Abstract

Although evidence of the limiting role of pollination in cocoa production is mounting, concern about the potential harm of insecticides to pollinators is also increasing. However, effort at examining farmer knowledge and practices on pollination and insecticide use aimed at promoting cocoa pollination is limited. This study assessed farmers' knowledge and practices on pollination and insecticide usage in four cocoa-growing communities (two organic and two conventional) in the Eastern region of Ghana. Data from interviewing cocoa farmers (200) with a structured questionnaire were analysed using various statistical techniques. Less than 50% of the farmers had knowledge of pollination and its influence on yield. Only 1% of the respondents identified midges as pollinators of cocoa, while 11% and 19.5% identified honey bees and ants as pollinator agents, respectively. Less than 50% of respondents believed insecticide application might impact on beneficial insects, including pollinators. Farmers’ responses were highly influenced by farming system, educational background, farmer groups and extension officers. Our findings show that educating smallholder farmers on pollination and judicious insecticide use is crucial in improving long-term cocoa yields. These findings have implications for pest management policies and farmer sensitization on the impact of indiscriminate insecticide application on the environment and pollinators.

Keywords

• cocoa farming
• cocoa pollination
• farming systems
• insecticides
• midges
• ghana