History of the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana, Tafo 1938-2008
Date
2019-07
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
University of Ghana
Abstract
The Cocoa Industry Became The Mainstay Of Ghana’s Economy since its introduction in
the country in the late 19th century. The industry spread quickly from its original base at
Akuapem through Akim to many parts of the country making Ghana the leading producer
of cocoa by 1910. However, the industry was faced with a near collapse in the 1930s due
to the emergence of the deadly swollen shoot disease that was fast destroying many
farms. This compelled the colonial administration to establish the Central Research
Station at Akim Tafo which later became the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG).
They were mandated to deal with the situation and study to provide innovative ways of
cultivating the crop in order to increase production. Research activities at the station in
containing the situation whip up farmers interest in the industry in many ways. For
example scientific measures were employed in reducing the maturation and fruition
period of the original Amelonado Cocoa from seven to three years through hybridization.
This research therefore focused on changing the narrative of placing high land, labour
and cocoa pricing as responsible for increase in production to the innovative strategies
introduced by the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG) through their research
activities to make Ghana’s cocoa industry vibrant.
Description
MPhil. History
Keywords
Cocoa, Industry, Cocoa Research Institute Of Ghana (CRIG), Ghana