Research has consistently shown that the educational level of cocoa farmers significantly influences their adoption of Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) and innovations. Studies by Asante et al. (2018) and Owusu et al. (2020) demonstrate that cocoa farmers with higher educational levels are more likely to adopt best practices, such as pruning, fertilization, and pest management.
Ghana’s cocoa industry is a vital sector of the economy, providing a livelihood for over 974,000 farmers. However, the educational levels of cocoa farmers have been a subject of concern.
A recent survey of 68% of cocoa farmers conducted in the Daboase district revealed the following educational levels:
No formal education = 27.2%
Primary education = 25.0%
Secondary education = 39.0%
Tertiary education = 8.8%
It is important to mention that these statistics are consistent with previous studies, which have reported similarly low levels of formal education among cocoa farmers in Ghana (Asuming-Brempong et al., 2011; Owusu et al., 2017).
To bridge the knowledge gap and promote the adoption of GAPs and innovations, we acknowledged the educational landscape of cocoa farmers in Daboase and urged them to adopt practical, easy-to-understand training programs through our community extension agents.
The Cocoa Health and Extension Division innovative training programs included:
Sharing audios and videos through WhatsApp platforms and using pictures, videos, and diagrams to convey complex information.
We are also considering establishing demonstration plots where farmers can observe and participate in best practices.
With the help of our community extension agents, we are encouraging experienced farmers to share their knowledge and skills with fellow farmers.
And also constantly organising training sessions within farming communities, using local languages and contexts.
By adopting these innovative training programs, we have observed significant improvements in the adoption levels, productivity, income, and livelihoods of cocoa farmers in Daboase.
Empowering cocoa farmers through these innovative educations is crucial for bridging the knowledge gap and promoting the adoption of Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) and innovations.
By: Kabiru Mohammed
