Abstract:
ABSTRACT
Although evidence of the limiting role of pollination in cocoa production is mounting,
concern about the potential harm of insecticides to pollinators is also increasing.
However, effort at examining farmer knowledge and practices on pollination and
insecticide use aimed at promoting cocoa pollination is limited. This study
assessed farmers’ knowledge and practices on pollination and insecticide usage in
four cocoa-growing communities (two organic and two conventional) in the
Eastern region of Ghana. Data from interviewing cocoa farmers (200) with a
structured questionnaire were analysed using various statistical techniques. Less
than 50% of the farmers had knowledge of pollination and its influence on yield.
Only 1% of the respondents identified midges as pollinators of cocoa, while 11%
and 19.5% identified honey bees and ants as pollinator agents, respectively. Less
than 50% of respondents believed insecticide application might impact on
beneficial insects, including pollinators. Farmers’ responses were highly influenced
by farming system, educational background, farmer groups and extension officers.
Our findings show that educating smallholder farmers on pollination and judicious
insecticide use is crucial in improving long-term cocoa yields. These findings have
implications for pest management policies and farmer sensitization on the impact
of indiscriminate insecticide application on the environment and pollinators.
