scholarly journals Determinants and Policy Ramifications of Cocoa Farmers’ Use of Agrochemicals in Cocoa-Based (Theobroma cacao) Agroforestry Systems in Cameroon

Author(s):  
Azembouh Roshinus Tsufac ◽  
Nyong Princely Awazi ◽  
Bernard Palmer Kfuban Yerima

The application of agrochemicals in agroforestry systems in general and cocoa-based agroforestry systems in particular is unprecedented as agroforestry systems are considered as environmentally benign, agro-ecological and sustainable agricultural systems. It was within this context that this study was undertaken to examine the determinants of cocoa farmers’ use of agrochemical in cocoa-based agroforestry systems. Through a mixed research approach, and data analysis using appropriate descriptive and inferential statistical tools, it was found that the main types of herbicides used by cocoa farmers in cocoa-based agroforestry systems are Paraquat (50%) and Glyphosate (40%). For fungicides, the main types used were Mancozeb (70%), Maneb (65%), Ridomil (60%), Caocobre (50%), and Nordox (40%). For insecticides, the main types used were Methyl (65%), Imidacloprid (60%), Endosulfan (50%), Cypermethrin (50%), and Fenobucarp (40%). The most common pests and diseases affecting cocoa perceived by cocoa farmers in cocoa-based agroforestry systems were Black pod – Phytophtora spp (100%), Capsid/Mirids – Distantiella theobroma and Sahlbergella singularis (100%), Cocoa Swollen Shoot Virus Disease – CSSVD (60%), Witches’ broom – Crinipellis perniciosa (50%) and Vascular streak dieback (40%). Most cocoa farmers perceived that the use of all three agrochemicals (herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides) in cocoa-based agroforestry systems have negative socio-economic and environmental impacts.  From Spearman rank correlation and logistic regression coefficients, it was noticed that the main explanatory variables having a statistically significant direct non-cause-effect and cause-effect relationship (p<0.05) with cocoa farmers’ use of agrochemicals in cocoa-based agroforestry systems were gender, income, availability of agrochemicals, access to information, membership in farming groups, and access to extension services. Meanwhile the main explanatory variables having a statistically significant indirect or inverse non-cause-effect and cause-effect relationship (p<0.05) with cocoa farmers’ use of agrochemicals in cocoa-based agroforestry systems were farm size and number of farms. It is recommended that policy makers take a critical look at the different agrochemicals used by cocoa farmers as well as the determinants of their use when formulating policies geared towards ensuring the sustainable use of these agrochemicals in cocoa-based agroforestry systems.

Author(s):  
Azembouh Roshinus Tsufac ◽  
Nyong Princely Awazi ◽  
Bernard Palmer Kfuban Yerima ◽  
Roger Kogge Enang

Soil fertility decline has pushed farmers across the world to resort to chemical fertilizers in order to improve soil fertility and enhance crop yields. In agroforestry systems, the application of chemical fertilizers is a call for concern considering that agroforestry systems are supposedly agro-ecological, environmentally friendly and sustainable systems. It was within this context that this study sought to assess the application of chemical fertilizers in cocoa-based agroforestry systems and its policy ramifications. Data was collected through a household survey of 300 cocoa farmers in Cameroon, and analyzed on SPSS 17.0 employing descriptive and analytical techniques. It was found that the most commonly used chemical fertilizers by cocoa farmers in cocoa-based agroforestry systems were NPK 20:10:10 (60%), NPK 15:20:15 (50%), and Urea (40%). It was also noticed that a majority of the cocoa farmers sampled used no chemical fertilizer (35%), very small quantity (15%), small quantity (20%), and moderate quantity (20%). With respect to frequency of use, most cocoa farmers never used chemical fertilizer (35%), used it rarely (30%), or used it occasionally (15%). However, some cocoa farmers used chemical fertilizers frequently (5%) and very frequently (5%) in their cocoa agroforests. Coefficients of correlation and regression showed the existence of a statistically significant (p<0.05) direct and inverse non-causal and causal relationship between different explanatory variables (income level, availability of chemical fertilizers, access to information, membership in farming group and access to extension services) and cocoa farmers’ use of chemical fertilizers; while farm size and number of farms had a statistically significant inverse relationship. Correlation and regression coefficients showed the existence of a statistically significant (p<0.05) direct non-causal and causal relationship between different levels of cocoa yields (very high cocoa yield, high cocoa yield, average cocoa yield, low cocoa yield, very low cocoa yield, no change in cocoa yields) and the application of chemical fertilizers in cocoa-based agroforestry systems. On the basis of the study’s findings, it is recommended that measures be taken to limit the use of chemical fertilizers in cocoa-based agroforestry systems in order to enhance the sustainability of these systems.


Agricultura ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 19-25
Author(s):  
Kadurumba Chukwuemeka ◽  
◽  
Njoku Ignatius Anayo ◽  
Achi Ogechi ◽  

The study analysed the multifactor productivity among smallholder yam farmers in Ebonyi South, Ebonyi North and Ebonyi Central Agricultural zones of the State. The specific objectives were to determine the socio-economic characteristics of the yam farmers in the study area, to analyse the multifactor productivity and scale of production among smallholder yam farmers, to determine the factors affecting multifactor productivity among smallholder yam farmers and identify constraints of increased yam production in the study area. Two-stage random sampling technique was used to select one hundred and twenty (120) yam farmers from areas of intense yam cultivation in the three zones. Cobb-Douglas production function was used to analyse individual factor productivity and scale of production in yam enterprise. The results revealed that coefficient of farm size, hired labour, household size and planting materials, would reduce multifactor productivity of yam farms by 8.6 %, 1.05 %, 2.2 % and 0.45 %, respectively. The results also showed that 10 % increase in age, income, credit access and experience would increase multifactor productivity of yam farms by 0.071 %, 0.133 %, 0.543 % and 0.139 %, respectively. The R2 values of 0.864 implies that about 86 % of variations in multifactor productivity in yam enterprises are explained by the explanatory variables in the model. The problems identified include inadequate land, finance, high transportation cost, hired labour, pests and diseases, bad infrastructure, network, inadequate storage facilities, etc. The results of the study expressed the need of active policies aimed at intensifying extension services, encouraging farm mechanization and provision of credits at subsidized rate in the state.


Author(s):  
Azembouh Roshinus Tsufac ◽  
Nyong Princely Awazi ◽  
Bernard Palmer Kfuban Yerima ◽  
Roger Kogge Enang

Tree diversity and abundance within an agroforestry system plays a crucial role in the provision of different ecosystem services. It was within this framework that this study sought to examine the contribution of tree diversity and abundance to soil fertility in cocoa-based agroforestry systems. A mixed research approach was adopted during data collection and data analysis was done through the use of descriptive and inferential statistical tools. From the findings of the study, it was revealed that most cocoa farmers perceive tree diversity in cocoa-based agroforestry systems to be between average (50%), high (15%) and very high (20%), while tree abundance was between average (40%), and low (30%). The main types of tree species integrated by cocoa farmers in cocoa-based agroforestry systems were fruit trees (100%), fuelwood trees (70%), trees for shade (52.7%) and trees for building materials (40%). A statistically significant direct relationship (p<0.05) existed between different levels of tree diversity (very high tree diversity, high tree diversity, average tree diversity, low tree diversity, and very low tree diversity) and soil fertility in cocoa-based agroforestry systems, implying that the greater the diversity of tree species the greater the levels of soil fertility in cocoa-based agroforestry systems. Different levels of tree abundance in cocoa agroforests such as average tree abundance, low tree abundance and very low tree abundance had a statistically significant direct relationship (p<0.05) with soil fertility in cocoa-based agroforestry systems, implying that the lower the level of tree abundance, the greater the level of soil fertility in cocoa-based agroforestry systems. Meanwhile levels of tree abundance in cocoa agroforests such as very high tree abundance and high tree abundance had a statistically significant inverse relationship (p<0.05) with soil fertility in cocoa-based agroforestry systems, implying that the higher the tree abundance, the lesser the level of soil fertility. Thus, it is recommended that more diverse tree species should be integrated in cocoa-based agroforestry systems while tree abundance should be kept to an average level in order to sustain the level of soil fertility in cocoa-based agroforestry systems.


Author(s):  
Azembouh Roshinus Tsufac ◽  
Nyong Princely Awazi ◽  
Bernard Palmer Kfuban Yerima

Soil fertility decline is a reality across the globe. Soil infertility has led to falling crop yields for both food and cash crops precipitating both poverty and food insecurity. Poor agricultural practices have often been blamed for declining levels of soil fertility. It was within this framework that this study was carried out to assess soil fertility levels in cocoa-based agroforestry systems in the Littoral region of Cameroon. Through the use of a mixed research approach and descriptive and inferential statistical analysis it was found that the most perceived indicators of soil fertility by cocoa farmers in cocoa-based agroforestry systems were cocoa yields (100%), soil colour (90%), indicator plant species (75%), presence of soil macro-organisms (80%), indicator weed species (65%), growth rate/vigour of the cocoa plant (70%),  and level of compaction of the soil (50%). Chi-square test statistic (X2 = 15.92, p<0.05) revealed that there was a statistically significant difference in cocoa farmers’ perceptions of soil fertility indicators in cocoa-based agroforestry systems. Most cocoa farmers perceived the level of soil fertility in cocoa-based agroforestry systems to be between average (29%) and low (43%). Very few cocoa farmers perceived that soil fertility level in cocoa-based agroforestry systems was very high (5.3%). Chi-square test statistic (X2 = 38.42, p<0.05), revealed the existence of a statistically significant difference in cocoa farmers’ perception of the level of soil fertility in cocoa-based agroforestry systems. Correlation and regression analyses showed the existence of a direct and inverse non-causal and causal relationship respectively between several explanatory variables and soil fertility in cocoa-based agroforestry systems. It was noticed that explanatory variables such as fertilizer/manure application, diversity of tree species in the cocoa agroforests,  diversity of soil macro-fauna in the cocoa agroforests, and density of soil macro-fauna in the cocoa agroforests, all had a statistically significant (p<0.05) direct non-causal and causal relationship with soil fertility in cocoa-based agroforestry systems. Meanwhile, explanatory variables such as age of the cocoa farm, density of cocoa plants in the cocoa agroforests, and application of agrochemicals in the cocoa agroforests, all had a statistically significant (p<0.05) non-causal and causal relationship with soil fertility in cocoa-based agroforestry systems. It is therefore recommended that there should be more organic fertilizer/manure application, more diversity of tree species in the cocoa agroforests, and measures to ensure the diversity and density of soil macro-fauna in cocoa-based agroforestry systems.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
John W Mulumba ◽  
Ronald Kakeeto ◽  
Rose Nankya ◽  
Hannington Lwandasa ◽  
Brian Isabirye ◽  
...  

Abstract Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is important for providing food, income, livestock fodder for smallholder farmers, and improving soil fertility. However, groundnut yields on farmers’ fields in Sub-Saharan Africa are still very low due to various constraints. Several groundnut cultivars are available within the farmer’s domain but the adoption of these varieties favours landraces as opposed to improved varieties. Limited information is available on performance of commonly grown cultivars for guiding selection by different user groups (farmers, breeders and other users). This study was thus designed to determine the performance of selected landraces and improved groundnut varieties in Uganda. 23 groundnut lines with varying degrees of tolerance to a range of stresses were evaluated at two sites. Results showed significant (P ≤ 0.05 to P≤ 0.001) differences among genotypes for yield. Significant (P≤0.05 to P≤0.001) varietal differences were also observed between landraces and improved varieties for growth and physiological traits but not for pest and disease reaction. Clustering was not evident on the basis of either landraces or improved cultivars for pests and diseases incidences. However, associations of a mix of both groundnut classes of with particular diseases and/or pests were observed. Varieties such as India, Serenut 10, Kabonge, and DOK Tan associated with diseases such as rosette virus disease and its vector pest, the aphids. The results reported in this study shall be useful for driving the development of new cultivars owing to their good adaptability and acceptance thus the need to conserve and ensure sustainable use of these germplasm.


Author(s):  
Elita Maydasari

The purpose of this study was to: (1). Knowing the level of production and the factors that influence the motivation of farmers in the farming of cocoa (Theobroma cacao. L) in North Lombok regency. (2). Knowing the relationship between the factors that influence the motivation of farmers in the farming of cocoa (Theobroma cacao. L) in North Lombok regency. (3). Knowing the constraints faced by cocoa farmers in farming in North Lombok regency. This research uses the descriptive method with survey techniques. The unit of analysis in this study is a cocoa farm in North Lombok regency. While the analysis is Logistic Regression and Spearman Rank Correlation. The results showed that the level of cocoa production in the year 2014 for all Sub-District in North Lombok regency as follows: District Winning as much as 25736.65 tons, District of Tanjung many as 79 920 tons, District Ganges as much as 358 596 tonnes, District Kayangan as much as 141 152 tonnes and the District Bayan as much as 19528.25 tons. Category factor affects the motivation of farmers in farming cocoa is the factor of socio-economic status of farmers covers formal education including lower categories, dependents medium category, experience medium category, economic factors include the availability of inputs, including the medium category, the relative advantages including very high category, guarantees market including very low category, social-technical factors include the level of potential suitability of land including appropriate category, the level of saving time farming include the category of very fast and the level of the local cultural appropriateness included the category of very appropriate. Factors influencing market guarantee to motivate cocoa farmers farming. Availability saprodi, relative advantage, a guaranteed market, the level of cultivation time savings have a relationship with the cocoa farming farmer motivation. Constraints in cocoa farming is attack of plant pests and diseases, limited means of production and the limited information on the location of the cultivation and marketing.


Author(s):  
Azembouh Roshinus Tsufac ◽  
Nyong Princely Awazi ◽  
Bernard Palmer Kfuban Yerima

Tree diversity and density in agroforestry systems has been found to increase the diversity and density of soil macro-fauna. However, very little is known of the relationship between tree diversity and density in cocoa agroforests and soil macro-fauna diversity and density. This study was therefore undertaken to fill this knowledge gap. A mixed research approach was adopted and data analysis was done using descriptive and inferential statistics. From the findings, most cocoa farmers perceived that tree diversity in cocoa agroforests was either average, high or very high. Most cocoa farmers perceived that tree density on its part was either average or low. Concerning soil macro-fauna diversity in cocoa-based agroforestry systems, most of the cocoa farmers perceived that soil macro-fauna diversity was either average or high. For soil macro-fauna density in cocoa agroforests, most cocoa farmers perceived that soil macro-fauna density was either average, high or low. Through correlation and regression analyses, it was found that a statistically significant (p<0.05) direct non-cause-effect and cause-effect relationship existed between the level of tree diversity and density in cocoa-based agroforestry systems (very high tree diversity, high tree diversity, average tree diversity, low tree diversity, very low tree diversity), and the level of soil macro-fauna diversity and density. This implies that increasing tree species diversity and density leads to increasing soil macro-fauna diversity and density in cocoa-based agroforestry systems. It is therefore recommended that policy makers take drastic measures to ensure greater tree diversity and density in cocoa agroforests in order to ensure higher soil macro-fauna diversity and density.


Author(s):  
Anthony Eghe Agbongiarhuoy ◽  
Ogbaraeno Pippy Fawole

Cocoa production in Nigeria is limited due to pests and diseases. In an attempt to control these, farmers apply pesticides which leave chemical residue in cocoa beans. There are established standard practices to address the abuse in use of pesticides. However, there is dearth of information on factors that predispose cocoa farmers to comply with approved standard practices. Therefore, determinants of compliance with standard practices of pesticide use by cocoa farmers in Southwestern Nigeria were investigated. A three-stage sampling procedure was used to select respondents. Two cocoa producing States (Oyo and Ondo) were purposively selected. Two Local Government Areas (LGAs) known for cocoa production were selected from each state. Systematic random sampling was used to select 10% of registered farmers to give 354 respondents. Interview schedule was used to collect data on respondents’ variables. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression at  0.05. Most farmers were male (70.3%) and had secondary education (31.9%). Respondents’ age and farmingexperience were 58.0 and 27.0 years, respectively. Farmers’ yield and annual income were 0.449 tonnes obtained from an average of 6.25 ha cocoa farm size andN1,331,519.60 equivalent to $3,698.67, respectively. Determinants of compliance with standard practices of pesticides use for both dosage and procedure were determined by age ( = -0.20), income ( = 0.15), exposure to information (= 0.36), constraints ( = -0.27) and accessibility to approved pesticides ( = -0.11). Exposure of farmers to information and realising more money motivates them to purchase approved pesticides that will aid compliance with standard practices. As age of farmer increases, the ability to comply will be limited. A farmer who is constraint with poor access to recommended pesticides will go for unapproved types which are against compliance. Concerted efforts should be put in place by relevant bodies to ensure sustainable income, information access for respondents in order to adhere to recommended protocols and enhanced cocoa yield.


Conservation ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-35
Author(s):  
Kazi Kamrul Islam ◽  
Mohammad Saifullah ◽  
Kimihiko Hyakumura

In the tropics, products and services provided by the traditional agroforestry systems (TAS) support the basic needs and promote the livelihood of millions of rural people. However, the outcomes and mitigation of TAS, in particular, the social and environmental issues are not systematically addressed. Thus, the objective of the study was to assess the economic, social and environmental outcomes of two important TAS in Bangladesh. This study reports results on prospective analyses using the Date palm and Jackfruit-based TAS practiced in the Jashore and Mymensingh districts of Bangladesh. The results revealed that the TAS enhanced farm productivity and the benefit–cost ratio of both systems were much higher than the general agricultural practices in Bangladesh. The TAS also improved resilience of rural farmers through more efficient water utilization, enhancing soil fertility, improving microclimate, controlling pests and diseases, and diversifying products. At the same time, the farmers’ problems were neglected due to the absence of farmers’ platforms, and also tradeoffs may arise; thus, the social aspects of the TAS farmers had not developed equally. Therefore, the study would recommend minimizing the tradeoffs through enhancing the conservation strategies at farmers’ levels to make the TAS more viable and sustainable land-use practices.


2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (6) ◽  
pp. 494-503
Author(s):  
Ekarat Sombatsawat ◽  
Titaporn Luangwilai ◽  
Parichat Ong-artborirak ◽  
Wattasit Siriwong

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and determine factors influencing MSDs among rice farmers. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional study was carried out among 156 rice farmers from 14 villages in Tarnlalord sub-district, Phimai district, Nakhon Ratchasima province, Thailand, from February 2017 to March 2017. Face-to-face interviews, including demographics, work characteristics and musculoskeletal pain, were conducted using a modified standardized Nordic questionnaire. Findings The results revealed that both 78 males and 78 females participated in the study to which the average of age and body mass index (BMI) was 45.5±11.4 years and 24.9±4.0 kg/m2, respectively. All rice farmers reported MSDs in at least one body region during the six months preceding the interview. The highest prevalence of MSDs showed 86.5 percent in the lower back area, followed by 85.9 percent in the neck, and 80.7 percent in the shoulders. The analysis of binary logistic regression and Spearman’s rank correlation showed that factors such as gender, age, BMI, work experience and farm size influence MSDs’ occurrence, and pain severity in one or more body regions (p < 0.05). Originality/value Musculoskeletal injuries are a significant health problem in rice farmers. The study indicated that appropriate agricultural practices such as working posture, equipment size selection and carrying loads should be recommended to prevent MSDs. Thus, the occupational health and safety services in agricultural workers are needed.


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