RESEARCH NEEDS FOR SUSTAINABLE COCOA PRODUCTION IN GHANA

Cocoa productivity can be increased by the use of good agricultural practices, for which farmers often need training. However, there are several challenges that need to be addressed to increase cocoa production. Pests and diseases have a major negative impact on the productivity which is further reduced due to the limited availability of agrochemicals. Access to extension services and to information is generally limited, partially due to a lack of farmers' organisation. Moreover, it is difficult for farmers to access finance and they often do not have a business attitude to cocoa farming. There are also concerns about whether small scale farming can ever be profitable enough to provide a decent income.

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