Cocoa and Climate Change: Insights from Smallholder Cocoa Producers in Ghana Regarding Challenges in Implementing Climate Change Mitigation Strategies

Abstract

This study investigates the knowledge and perception of smallholder cocoa farmers on the potential impacts of climate change on cocoa production in Ghana. It addresses opinions on the inclusion of climate change mitigation strategies (such as Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation—REDD+) into cocoa production, and potential obstacles and roles of stakeholders in ensuring community acceptance of such strategies in a unique multiple land use area—the Krokosua Hills Forest Reserve. Data from the Ghana Meteorological Agency and through survey of 205 cocoa farmers were assessed with Mann-Kendall, Kruskal Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests. Farmers’ perceptions of changes in climate were notably diverse and did not always match historic weather data, but accurately described increases in temperature and drought which are linked to cocoa productivity. Farmers appreciate the importance of tree maintenance for ecosystem services but were skeptical of financially rewarding climate change strategies which favor tree protection. Cultural practices associated with cocoa production encourage carbon release and may pose a threat to the objectives of REDD+. Farmers’ experience on the land, interactions with other farmers, government extension agents and cocoa buyers all influence cocoa agroforestry practices in the area, and communication through existing entities (particularly extension agents) presents a pathway to community acceptance of climate change mitigation strategies. The study recommends reforms in REDD+ strategies to adopt flexible and participatory frameworks to facilitate adoption and acceptability due to pronounced heterogeneity in community perceptions and knowledge of climate change and related issues.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and potassium fertilizer as plant biostimulants and alternative research for enhancing plants adaptation to drought stress: Opportunities for enhancing drought tolerance in cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.)

“…Among the abiotic stress, drought stress is one of the key constraints to the establishment and productivity of cocoa trees (Djan et al, 2018;Gateau-Rey et al, 2018;Schroth, Läderach et al, 2016;Suzuki et al, 2014). This assertion has been confirmed in Ghana (Ameyaw et al, 2018;Hutchins et al, 2015), Nigeria (Agbongiarhuoyi et al, 2013); Trinidad and Tobago (Eitzinger et al, 2015) and Costa Rica (Deheuvels et al, 2012;Hutchins et al, 2015;Phillips, 2015), in surveys of cocoa farmers that were intended to assess the relative effects of climatic change on the productivity of cocoa. For instance, Ameyaw et al (2018) assessment of cocoa farmers knowledge and perception of climate change impact on cocoa production in Ghana found that, out of the 205 farmers interviewed, 89% and 81 % mentioned reduction in the amount of rainfall and reduced length of the wet season as major constraints, in addition, 81% of the farmers indicated that dry spells (drought) had increased.…”

Mismatches in the Ecosystem Services Literature—a Review of Spatial, Temporal, and Functional-Conceptual Mismatches

“…Farmers' perceptions of ongoing climatic changes in Ghana did not match scientists' understanding based on historical weather records, impacting their willingness to participate in conservation programs [22].…”

“…This is often connected to an epistemological understanding that different knowledge types exist and that people can have different perceptions on the same aspect of ecosystem service delivery [71]. A common mismatch is between Western science knowledge and either people's perceptions, or other knowledge systems, such as local and traditional ecological knowledge [22]. This mismatch exists not only between Western science and indigenous communities, which often have their own knowledge systems (e.g., indigenous medicine), but also between Western science and other Western knowledge systems (e.g., farmers in Western, industrialized countries).…”

Working towards Sustainable Innovation for Green Waste Benefits: The Role of Awareness of Consequences in the Adoption of Shaded Cocoa Agroforestry in Ghana

“…Generally, climate change models predict reduced rainfall, increased light intensity, and higher temperatures. These changes will have significant limitations to cocoa production in the near future, with some areas of West Africa already being affected according to Läderach et al [17] and Hutchins et al [73]. These studies contend that longer periods of drought and higher temperatures are causing fluctuations in cocoa productivity and death, hence, recommend that farmers develop resilient shade-grown cocoa systems, as it is believed that shade trees play a key role in regulating light intensity, humidity, and temperature, and provide green waste for soil nutrient improvement [28,66,74].…”