Abstract
Abstract
Organic soil amendments can be used to reduce the environmental impact of cocoa farming, increase sustainability, and protect livelihoods. This study aimed to explore Ghanaian cocoa farmers’ awareness and usage of compost and biochar on their farms and to make recommendations to increase adoption. A survey was conducted with 150 cocoa farmers, randomly drawn from a population of 245 across five cocoa-growing districts and representing four different soil types across the five major agroecological regions where cocoa is grown in Ghana. The survey was followed by a focus group discussion to better understand responses to the survey questions. Farmers attributed low cocoa yields to declining soil fertility and the high cost of farm inputs, particularly chemical fertilisers. Although some farmers were aware of compost use in vegetable production, none of the farmers surveyed used compost or biochar on their cocoa farms. The findings suggest that the reason for the lack of adoption is limited awareness. However, farmers were willing to learn how to prepare compost and biochar or to buy these amendments. Therefore, embedding training on the preparation and use of compost and biochar into equitable and inclusive programmes led by the Ghanaian Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), licensed buying companies (LBCs), certification schemes (e.g. Rainforest Alliance, Fairtrade, Organic), and farmer associations (cooperatives) is key to increasing adoption, elevating sustainability, and improving livelihoods. These organisations could also collectively support and subsidise the production and application of organic amendments by enterprises as a service provided to farmers.