an assessment of pests and disease management …
TRANSCRIPT
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PAN AFRICAN INSTITUTE FOR DEVELOPMENT – WEST AFRICA P.O. BOX 133, BUEA, CAMEROON
DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENT STUDIES
A Project Report submitted to the Department of Development Studies, in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Award of a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc)
degree in Environment and Agriculture.
By
ASSONWA FOUOMENE ESTELLE PAIDWA00029
Supervisor Mr. Asong Valentine
BUEA, DECEMBER 2015
AN ASSESSMENT OF PESTS AND DISEASE MANAGEMENT ON COCOA PRODUCTION: CASE STUDY OF EKONDO-TITI,
NDIAN DIVISION CAMEROON
The author assumes total responsibility for meeting the requirements set by Copyright Laws for the
inclusion of any materials that are not the author’s creation or in the public domain.
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DEDICATION
This work is dedicated to God Almighty and to my family.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
DECLARATION .......................................................................................................................................................... i
STATEMENT OF ORIGINALITY ............................................................................................................................ i
DEDICATION ............................................................................................................................................................. v
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ......................................................................................................................................... vi
ABSTRACT ............................................................................................................................................................... xii
TABLE OF CONTENTS ........................................................................................................................................... vi
LISTS OF TABLES..................................................................................................................................................... x
LISTS OF FIGURES .................................................................................................................................................. xi
LIST OF ABBRIVIATIONS ....................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
CHAPTER ONE ........................................................................................................................................................... i
INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Background of the Study ................................................................................................................................ 1
1.2. Statement of the Problem ................................................................................................................................... 2
1.3 Description of the Area. ...................................................................................................................................... 3
1.4. Objective of the Study ........................................................................................................................................ 5
1.5. Research Questions ............................................................................................................................................ 5
1.6 Significance of the Study .................................................................................................................................... 5
1.7. Scope of the Study.............................................................................................................................................. 5
1.8. Organization of the Study................................................................................................................................... 6
1.9. Definition of Terms ............................................................................................................................................ 6
CHAPTER TWO ......................................................................................................................................................... 8
LITERATURE REVIEW AND THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK ......................................................................... 8
2.1 Literature Review .............................................................................................................................................. 8
2.1.1 The types of pests and diseases affecting cocoa........................................................................................... 8
2.1.1.1 Types of pests affecting cocoa production ................................................................................................ 8
2.1.1.2 Common diseases affecting cocoa production. ....................................................................................... 12
2.1.2 The impact of pests and disease attack on cocoa production .................................................................. 14
2.1.2.1 Cocoa production in Cameroon .............................................................................................................. 15
2.1.3 The various management strategies that are used to control cocoa pests and diseases. ........................... 15
2.1.3.1 Integrated pest management. ................................................................................................................... 19
2.1.3.2 Benefits of integrated pest management. ................................................................................................ 20
2.2 Theoretical Framework. .................................................................................................................................... 22
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2.2.1.1 Integrated pest management .................................................................................................................... 22
2.2.1.2 Cultural controls. ..................................................................................................................................... 23
2.3 Gaps Identified In The Literature And How The Work Shall Attempt To Fill Them. .................................... 24
CHAPTER THREE ................................................................................................................................................... 25
METHODOLOGY OF THE STUDY. .................................................................................................................... 25
3.1 Model Specification .......................................................................................................................................... 25
3.2 Description of Variables in the Model ................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.3 Study Design. .................................................................................................................................................... 25
3.3.1 Study Population (Sampling Frame) .......................................................................................................... 25
3.3.2 Sampling Techniques ................................................................................................................................. 25
3.3.3 Study sample and sampling intensity ......................................................................................................... 26
3.3.4 Data collection ........................................................................................................................................... 26
3.4. Analytical Approach ........................................................................................................................................ 27
3.5 validations of the results. ................................................................................................................................... 27
CHAPTER FOUR ..................................................................................................................................................... 28
PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS OF DATA ................................................................................................... 28
4.1 Demographic characteristics of the respondents. .......................................................................................... 28
4.2 results of the study............................................................................................................................................. 29
4.2.1 Pest and diseases for cocoa crop identified in Ekondo Titi ........................................................................ 29
4.2.2 Farmers perceptions about the impact of pests and disease attack on cocoa production ........................... 32
4.2.3 Farmers management practices and the problems that hinder farmers to ensure quality cocoa beans
production ........................................................................................................................................................... 36
4.3 Implication of the results ................................................................................................................................... 40
4.4 limitations of the study. ..................................................................................................................................... 41
CHAPTER FIVE ....................................................................................................................................................... 42
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS .................................................... 42
5.1 Summary of findings ..................................................................................................................................... 42
5.2 Conclusion. ................................................................................................................................................... 42
5.3 Recommendation .......................................................................................................................................... 43
5.4 Suggested areas for further research ............................................................................................................. 43
REFERENCES .......................................................................................................................................................... 44
QUESTIONNAIRE SAMPLE .................................................................................................................................... 1
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ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
LBA Local Buyer Agents
ICCO International Cocoa Organization
WCOC World Cocoa Conference
IPM Integrated Pest Management
EMCCA Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa
ESCAPP Ecologically Sustainable Cassava Plant Protection
NCCB National Cocoa and Coffee Board
CAMACO Cameroon Marketing Commodity
ISO International Standard Organization
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I give thanks to God Almighty for his strength and good health towards the achievement of my
work.
I’m thankful to my supervisor Mr. Asong Valentine for all his support towards the achievement of
my work.
I wish to appreciate my sponsors Mr. and Mrs. Assonwa for supporting me morally and financially
throughout this period.
Lastly, I’m indebted to go to the representatives of the Ministry Of Agriculture And Rural
Development and also all the farmers who participated in this work and for their cooperation in
enabling my work come to a reality.
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LISTS OF TABLES
Table 3.1 Distribution of respondents ………………..…………………………………………27
Table 4.1 Types of pests affecting cocoa crop in Ekondo Titi …………………………….…....31
Table 4.2 Types of disease affecting cocoa production in Ekondo Titi …………………………32
Table 4.3 impacts of pest and disease attack on cocoa production ………………..…………….34
Table 4.4 Farmer’s management practices to control pest and disease ………………………....38
Table 4.5 Problems farmers face in ensuring quality cocoa beans ……………...………………40
Table 4.6 Measures to fight against pest and disease and ensure high quality cocoa beans
……………………………………………………………………………………………………41
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LISTS OF FIGURES Figure 1 Map of Study area .......................................................................................................................... 4
Figure 2: study design ................................................................................................................................ 25
Figure 3: sex of respondents ....................................................................................................................... 28
Figure 5: age groups of the cocoa farmers ................................................................................................. 29
Figure 6: an example of black pod disease ................................................................................................. 31
Figure 7: an example of a frosty pod rot disease........................................................................................ 32
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ABSTRACT
Pests and disease management are one of the major problems farmers in Cameroon face
due to the impacts of pests and disease infestation which leads to a drop in Cameroon’s
cocoa production. This study assessed pests and disease management in the Ekondo Titi
municipality. A multi-staged sampling technique was used to carry out this research. It was
found out that, various types of pests and diseases attack cocoa production, and these pests
and disease infestation have many effects on the farmer, on the health of the crop, impacts
on the quantity and quality of the beans. They also cause some impacts on trade. It is also
seen that farmers use various management practices to reduce these pests and disease
infestation like the application of chemicals, cultural practices like the application of wood
ash and clearing.
It is recommended that,
- More farmers schools should be created in communities so that farmers will be well
educated about these cocoa pests and diseases and how to remedy their attacks on the
crops.
- Moreover, the government should provide more incentives of bonuses to the farmers
like chemicals. That will help reduce the impact of pest and disease infestation on cocoa
production.
- Measures to fight against pest and disease and ensure high-quality cocoa beans should
also be taken into consideration by the government.
- Also, improved management practices should be introduced in Cameroon especially
chemicals to fight against these pests and disease.
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CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
A significant percentage of people in the developing countries engage themselves in agriculture,
but the yields of their produce are low due to pests and diseases that plague their crops (Adejumo,
2005). Cocoa perhaps is the most important export crop for countries in the forest zone of West
Africa and is the leading source of foreign exchange for some of them, including Cameroon.
(Mussu 1992).
The Swedish International Agricultural Network Initiative, 2013 says that Cocoa farming was
introduced in the Mount Fako region of Cameroon in 1886 by the Germans, and their aim was to
supply their local factories with raw materials (cocoa beans). They owned and managed vast
hectares of cocoa plantations which were worked forcefully by domestic slaves. After the spread
of the crop across the Southern part of the national territory, and the takeover of management by
the French and British, cocoa farms were increasingly owned and managed by the peasants but
were still maintained for export purposes. Since its independence in the 1960s until recent years,
cocoa production in Cameroon has been championed by smallholders on between 1 and 3 hectares
of land.
Cocoa is a highly competitive and lucrative commercial cash crop ranked highest regarding income
generation amongst other agricultural activities in the global markets (Ngoong and Forgha 2012).
According to the World Cocoa Foundation (2014), Cameroon is among the world's largest cocoa
producers including; Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Indonesia, and Nigeria. In fact, cocoa production alone
contributes about 1.426 per capita (US $) to Cameroon’s GDP (World Bank, 2014), with a world
share of 6% (Fact fish, database, 2015).
Herbwisdom.com (2015) states some health benefits of cocoa saying that, Cocoa beans are known
to have more than 300 healthful compounds. Some of these include phenylethylamine,
theobromine, and many polyphenols, like flavonoids. The beans also contain many vitamins and
minerals as well as healthy doses of potassium and copper, which support cardiovascular health,
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and iron, which transports oxygen through the body. Calcium and magnesium can be present in
cocoa beans, which are necessary for all the major organs to function properly.
Also, cocoa beans serve as an energy booster, and a good number of the health benefits that are
known to contribute to cocoa beans indicate a possibility that they could be a weight loss aid.
According to Beatrice and Owusu, (2015) the cocoa industry in West Africa is also dominated by
a large amount of farmers who plant small farms of 0.5 to 5.0 hectares of land and who lack the
resources to expand or improve their farms.
Also, SIANI (2013) said that other reasons for lower productivity are the high prevalence of
diseases like mirids and brown pod rot (fungal attacks on cocoa pods that could account for up to
50% loss in production), and the little use of pesticides and fertilizers due to limited access to
credit.
Among the social factors that led to the under productivity was the physical old age of the cocoa
farmers due to the rural-urban exodus of youths, the lack of attention, upkeep of the farms due to
extended periods of low market prices for cocoa beans (Chi B. F. , 2013).
These and other factors combine to plague the industry with serious problems leading to dwindling
production levels.
1.2. Statement of the Problem
Africa is the largest producer of cocoa producing 68% of the world’s cocoa. The major producing
countries in Africa are Cote D’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria and Cameroon (World Cocoa Foundation,
2014). Cameroon is the world’s fifth largest cocoa grower. Nonetheless, unfortunately, pest
infestation is a major problem in cocoa production in Cameroon over the past years which accounts
for the poor yields which has been estimated to cause 20% - 30% crop losses (Thomson, 2014).
At the close of the 2013-2014 cocoa season, which officially ended on July 15, Cameroon had sold
209,905 tons, according to the National Cocoa and Coffee Board (ONCC). Subtracting the 3,355
tons from the previous season’s stock, Cameroonian cocoa farms technically only produced
206,550 tons in the last season, compared to 1.4 million tons from Côte d’Ivoire, the world leader.
According to these figures, national cocoa production has therefore declined by around 9%
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compared to the 228,910 tons officially produced in the 2012-2013 season. (Business in
Cameroon, 2015). ICCO (2013) stressed the need for the measure to tackle insect pests that attack
cocoa.
The current changes in climatic conditions have favored pests prevalence while the repeated use
of pesticides on the crops has caused an increase in resistance (WCOC, 2012). Climatic factors
such as rainfall, temperature, sunshine, humidity, soil moisture and wind affect cocoa production.
The two major climatic parameters relevant in determining cocoa growth are temperature and
rainfall. (Joseph T.M and Godfred N. F 2013).
However, WCOC (2012) identified five areas of action in the sustainable production of cocoa,
amongst which was the integrated pest and disease management to ensure long-term sustainability
in yield. Furthermore, Thomson, (2014) stated that in 2013\2014 cocoa output for Cameroon
dropped falling 8% to 209,905 tons. In this light, there is the need for current information about
pest and disease occurrences, their impact on cocoa production at local level taking into
consideration problems farmers’ face in dealing with this global concern and the management
practices they use to ensure the quality of cocoa beans and high production.
1.3 Description of the Area.
The Ekondo-Titi subdivision has a population of about 56,503 inhabitants on 1.750 square
kilometers surface area. The subdivision is made up of the maritime and the mainland area. The
mainland area is composed of 26 villages while the marine constitutes the 19 combos. The
subdivision has immense forest resources, a very wealth mangrove swamp forest, a marine zone
and a vast agro-industrial palm plantation. The map below shows the description of the study area.
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Figure 1 Map of Study area. (Source: field work, 2015)
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1.4. Objective of the Study
1.4.1 Main purpose:
The primary aim of this study is to assess pests and disease management on cocoa in Ekondo titi.
1.4.2 Specific objectives:
To identify the types of pests and diseases affecting cocoa production in Ekondo Titi
To assess the impacts of these pest and disease attacks on cocoa in Ekondo-Titi.
To identify farmers management practices and the problems that hinder farmers to ensure
quality cocoa beans production
1.5. Research Questions
What are the types of pest and diseases affecting cocoa production?
What are the impacts of these pest and disease attack?
What are the various management strategies and problems that hinder farmers to ensure
quality cocoa beans production?
1.6 Significance of the Study
This study adds to the existing knowledge of pests and disease management on cocoa production
in Cameroon.
1.6.1 The farmers
It will help the farmers to have a better understanding of the different types of insect pests that
affects their crops and the best management practices to employ to control the pests.
It will also create awareness to the farmers on the types of pest and diseases affecting their
crops to tackle the problem rightly.
1.6.2 The government
This study will bring out the gap between management strategies and the problems the farmers
face to ensure quality cocoa production. This will help the government know where to put in
resources to ameliorate cocoa production.
1.7. Scope of the Study
This study was carried out in the Ekondo titi sub-division. Within this subdivision, the researcher
conducted the study in four villages which were Bekora, LIpenja, Kitta and Masore. A total of 80
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questionnaires were administered within this villages. 25 questionnaires was distrubuted in
Bekora, 16 in Lipenja, 20 questionnaires in Kitta and 19 questionnaires in Masore. About ten farms
within these villages were visited to have an actual view on the pests and disease infestation on
the crop (cocoa).
1.8. Organization of the Study
This thesis has a total of five chapters which includes;
Chapter one consist of the introduction of the thesis which will include the background of the
study, statement of the problem, the objective of the study, research questions, significance of the
study and definition of terms.
Chapter two consist of literature review and the theoretical framework which includes literature
review, theoretical framework, gaps identified in the literature and how the work shall attempt to
fill them,
Chapter three the methodology of study which includes the model specification, description of
variables in the model, study design, analytical approach, validation of the results.
Chapter four is all about presentation and analysis of my data which has the presentation of general
characteristics of the study and the general issues found from the study. The researcher has also
answered the research questions. This chapter will also include the implementation of the results
and limitations of the study.
Chapter five is the summary of findings, conclusion, and recommendations which includes the
summary of the findings, conclusion, recommendation and suggested areas for other research.
1.9. Definition of Terms
Pests: According to the European crop protection, a pest is an organism with features that people
can see as damaging, as it troubles agriculture by feeding on crops or parasitizing livestock. An
animal can be a pest when it causes damage to a wild ecosystem or carries germs. The word pest
is used to refer specifically to harmful animals, but it also relates to all other harmful organisms,
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including fungi and viruses. It is possible for an animal to be a pest in one setting but beneficial or
domesticated in another. (ECPA, 2015)
Disease: According to the Cambridge advanced learner’s dictionary third edition, a disease is an
illness of people, animals, plants caused by infection of a failure of health rather than by an
accident.
Infestation: Infest means to cause a problem by being present in large numbers. It can be caused
by animals, plants or fungi. Infestation is the noun of infest.
Cocoa: Cacao trees are delicate plants that live in the understory of tropical forests and require
other, taller trees to shelter them from wind and the sun. These little trees top out at 60 feet tall in
the wild (although most grow only 20 to 40 feet high), shielded from wind and the sun by
hardwoods and other trees that stretch as high as 200 feet. (The cocoa tree. Story of chocolate,
2015).
Integrated pest management (IPM): IPM is a collaborative decision support system for the
selection and use of pest control tactics. It can be singly or harmoniously coordinated into a
management strategy, based on cost/benefits analyses that take into account the interests of and
impacts on producers, society, and the environment (Maho Y. et al, 2013)., IPM for farmers is the
best combination of cultural, biological and chemical measures to manage diseases, insects, weeds
and other pests. It takes into account all relevant control tactics and methods that are locally
available, evaluating their potential cost-effectiveness (CLI, 2014).
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CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW AND THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
2.1 Literature Review
2.1.1 The types of pests and diseases affecting cocoa.
According to Dropdata (2015), cocoa has been described as a "virtuous crop". There is a
growing appreciation of its value for land restoration, enrichment of biodiversity (of earlier cleared
land) and provision of sustainable incomes in less advanced regions. Like other crops, nonetheless,
it can be attacked by many of pest species including fungal diseases, insects and rodents - some of
which (e.g. frosty pod rot and cocoa pod borer) have increased dramatically in geographical range.
They are sometimes described as "invasive species".
Though over 1500 different insects are known to feed on cocoa, only about 2% are of economic
significance (https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/plants/fruit-and-vegetables/fruit-and-nuts/other-fruit-
crops/pests-and-diseases-of-cocoa). However, when cocoa is introduced into a new area, an earlier
unrecorded pest almost habitually attacks it. Mirid bugs like Helopeltis are the most important and
widely occurring insect pests of cocoa. In the wild, natural spreading of cocoa relies on animals
such as rats and monkeys breaking into ripe pods and feeding on the sugary mucilage around the
beans. Substantial yield losses from such damage are experienced in almost all parts of the world
where cocoa is grown and may well be 5-10% on average (SOQ, 2015). ICCO, (2015) also says
that Cocoa is affected by a range of pests and diseases, with some estimates putting losses as high
as 30% to 40% of global production.
2.1.1.1 Types of pests affecting cocoa production
Common insect pests include:
Cocoa pod borer
Mirids
Cocoa beetle
Thrimps
Stemborers
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Broad mite
Flower-eating caterpillars
Yellow peach moth
Cocoa pod borer. (CPB)
The Cocoa Pod Borer (CPB), well-known as Cocoa Moth, is triggered by the insect
Conopomorpha cramerella. It was first seen and noted in 1841 as a serious threat, causing vast
losses in the cocoa industry during the 1890s and 1900s (ICCO, 2015). The CPB attacks both
young and mature cocoa pods. A common symptom of infested pods is unevenness and premature
ripening. Infestation of young pods results in substancial losses because the quantity and quality
of the bean become severely affected. A CPB moth is 7mm long and chocolate in color with a
white strip on the forewings. The female exists for about 5-7 days and lays 100-200 eggs on the
surface of the pod. The larval period is about 14-18 days, and then 5-8 days before hatching as a
moth (FARMD, 2014). CPB now affects almost all cocoa producing provinces in Indonesia.
According to the ICCO (2015), by 2000, CPB had infested 60,000 ha, causing losses of US$ 40
million per year. The spread of CPB alongside with the drop in the price of cocoa steered decreases
in production in Malaysia.
Mirids (capsids)
Mirids are the major insects that disturb cocoa worldwide. In Ghana, cocoa mirids have been
known as a serious pest since 1908 due to their overwhelming effect. The most common species
in Ghana and West African countries are Distantiella theobroma and Sahlbergella singularis. In
South-East Asia the Helopeltis spp. is accountable for the damage related to mirids while
Monalonion species are present in South and Central America. Mirid destruction alone, if left
unattended for three years, can reduce yields by as much as 75% (ICCO, 2015). Cocoa mirids
pierce the surface of cocoa stems, branches, and pods, killing the penetrated host cells and
producing unsightly necrotic lesions. Mirids feeding on shoots often results in the death of terminal
branches and leaves, causing dieback. Mated female mirids lay up to 60 eggs that are embedded
in the bark of stems or inside the pod husk. In West and Central Africa, this plant is attacked by
two mirid pests, i.e. Sahlbergella singularis and Distantiella theobroma. The two bugs feed on
cocoa pods and shoots, thus inducing tissue necrosis, and infected cocoa trees quickly become
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non-productive (Cirad, 2013). Pests usually occur on trees visible to sunlight since such trees tend
to bear more fresh shoots and pods. Though the insect is attracted to trees exposed to sunlight,
after tracing their source of food they inhabit shady areas on trees. Some native plants grown with
cocoa have been identified as alternative hosts for some species of mirids (FARMD, 2014). In
Cameroon, where the xdfxdf vS. singularisis mainly found, mirids are known to be a national
plague (Cirad, 2013). The ICCO (2015) stated that some clones with low water content in their
stems are unattractive to mirids. Preliminary laboratory and field screening of cocoa genotypes
have identified locally available genotypes in West African countries as well as international
clones which are less preferred by mirids. (These are all resistant varieties).
Cocoa beetle
The longhorn beetle, Steirastoma breve, is cocoa pest in many countries. Eggs are laid in holes
in the bark. The larvae bore a chamber in the cambium and bark. From the chamber, a tunnel is
bored in a spiral, which often rings the stem so that it dies. A pupal chamber is then drilled in the
heartwood, weakening the stem. A gummy, jellylike exudate appears around holes through the
bark made by larvae. Plants from 6 months to 5 years are attacked. The strength of attack increases
as the amount of shade is reduced (FARMD, 2014).
Thrips:
The nymph and pupa of thrips are light yellow to orange with the first three and last segments of
the abdomen bright red (University of Florida, 2015). Eggs are introduced into the lower leaf
surface and covered with a drop of fluid, which dries to form a black, disc-like cover (Astridge et
al. 2005). Females lay up to 50 eggs and live for up to one month. The eggs of this insect hatch in
four days (Chin et al, 2008). Redbanded thrips are preyed upon by a large assortment of natural
predators such as spiders and mites, lacewings, predatory thrips, and predatory bugs, especially
minute pirate bugs (Chin et al., 2008).
Stemborers
According to Dropdata (2015), Zeuzera spp locally-serious S.E. Asian pests belonging to the
Cossidae. Include Z. coffeae: larvae of leopard moths (Cossidae) that bore into trunks of many tree
species. The galleries formed are especially damaging to little cocoa, often causing the snapping-
off of smaller branches. In Papua New Guinea (PNG) one of the main pests is two species of
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longicorn beetle (Cerambicidae) Glenea spp. (G. aluensis from New Britain shown here).
Longicorn larvae are often large by the enlarged, flattened segments just behind the head capsule.
In PNG and Tuvalu, striking, nonflying weevils (Curculionidae) belonging to the genus
Pantorhytes are primary cocoa pests. Often tunneling in numbers around the jorquette and
branches, they may also be responsible for ringbarking and killing whole branches. Adult and larva
in the gallery of Pantorhytes pluteus taken in New Britain PNG. Both Pantorhtes, longicorn
beetles (left), besides causing damage to trees themselves, may introduce diseases such as
Phytophthora palmivora cankers: possibly leading in tree death.
Broad mite
Broad mites feed on fruit and leaves, selecting young fruit up to about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter
that is located on the inside of the canopy or the inward facing side of exterior fruit. Feeding results
in scarred tissue which cracks as the fruit grow, leaving a characteristic pattern of scars and new
tissue. Although most feeding occurs on fruit, broad mites may also feed on young expanding
leaves causing them to curl (University of California, 2013).
Flower eating caterpillars.
Caterpillars, the larvae of butterflies and moths, harm plants by chewing on leaves, flowers, shoots,
and fruit and occasionally by boring into wood. Caterpillars in fruit or wood can be tough to
manage: they are hidden most of their life and can cause severe damage even when numbers are
small. Nonetheless, many plants, especially perennials, can tolerate considerable leaf damage and
so a few leaf-feeding caterpillars often aren’t a concern. Handpicking and natural enemies often
provide sufficient control (University of California, 2014).
Yellow peach moth
Larvae are up to 20 mm long and have a dark head and are grey-pink with more colored oval spots
on the body. The moths are 13 mm long and are bright yellow-orange with black markings. Eggs
are laid on heads after flowering from December to March; hybrids with clear heads are less
infested than tight-headed hybrids. On sorghum, there is only one generation per crop. The larval
stage inhabits about three weeks and the pupal stage about two weeks (Queens land government,
2015)
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2.1.1.2 Common diseases affecting cocoa production.
Witches broom
Frosty pod rot
Black pod disease
Vascular-streak Dieback
Witches Broom.
Moniliophthora perniciosa is a fungus responsible for Witches' Broom disease. Throughout the
last century, the fungus spread throughout all of South America, Panama and the Caribbean,
causing significant losses in production. The most evident effect can be seen in Brazil where the
introduction of the disease in the district of Bahia caused a drop in production of practically 70%
during a period of 10 years (ICCO, 2015). The fungus outbreaks only actively growing tissue
(shoots, flowers, and pods) instigating cocoa trees to produce branches with no fruit and withered
leaves. The pods show distortion and present green patches that give the appearance of uneven
ripening. Host resistance is suggested as the best option for economic and sustainable control
(ICCO, 2015). The life cycle of the fungus is corresponding with the phenology of the host. One
of the most influential reasons for the ample reproduction of the fungus is H2O. Basidiospores are
released at night and are associated to the level of moistness (=80%) and favorable temperature
(20-30ºC). These spores are capable of being disseminated locally by water and convection
currents and over long distances by the wind (ICCO, 2015).
Frosty Pod Rot
The basidiomycete Moniliophthora roreri causes frosty pod rot. First reports of the disease date
back to the end of the 19th century, where its destructive effects caused damage in Colombian and
Ecuadorian cocoa farms. The fungus has spread all over the Latin American region, causing major
losses in production, even resulting in the abandonment of cocoa farms (ICCO, 2015) The fungus
contaminates only actively growing pod tissues, particularly young pods. The time from
contamination to the appearance of symptoms is about 1-3 months. The most prominent symptom
is the white fungal mat on the pod surface (ICCO, 2015). A large amount of spores produced (44
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million spores per cm2) and the genetic unevenness endows the fungus with considerable
adaptability. The dry, powdery form of spores permits the fungus to be dislodged by water, the
wind or physical disturbance of the pod. Disease incidence varies with cultivar, pod age, and
rainfall. Usually, the greatest production is when rainfall is high (ICCO, 2015)
Black Pod
Pod Rot, also known as Phytophthora pod rot, is caused by the fungus Phytophthora spp. Three
fungal species of the same genus are capable - P. palmivora, P. megakarya and P. capsici. The P.
palmivora causes overall yield loss of 20-30% and tree deaths of 10% annually. P. megakarya is
the most important pathogen in Central and West Africa, known as the most aggressive of the Pod
Rot pathogens. P. capsici is widespread in Central and South America, causing significant losses
in favorable environments (ICCO, 2015). Visible symptoms are the rotting or necrosis of pods.
Pods can be attacked at any stage of development, and the initial symptoms are small, hard, dark
spots on any part of the pod. Internal tissues, including the beans, are colonized and shrivel to form
a mummified pod (ICCO, 2015). Under humid circumstances, a single mummified pod infested
with P. palmivora can produce up to 4 million sporangia which can be dispersed by rain, ants,
flying insects, rodents, bats and polluted pruning material. In the case of P. megakarya, sporulation
is usually more abundant. The soil borne phase of the P. megakarya disease cycle causes root
contamination maintaining a reservoir of inoculum that discharges zoospores into the surface soil
water. P. megakarya does not survive in mummified pods but can live in infected debris for at
least 18 months, while P. palmivora survives less than 10 months in the soil (ICCO, 2015).
Vascular-streak Dieback (VSD)
This disease is triggered by the fungus known as Oncobasidium theobroma. It was first notable in
the 1960s in Papua New Guinea after it caused heavy losses of trees in mature plantations. The
disease has spread ever since and is found in South East Asia, causing major losses in large
profitmaking plantations in Malaysia. The initial characteristic signs are the chlorosis of one leaf
on the second or third flush behind the tip. The fungus may spread within to other branches or the
trunk, usually instigating the death of the tree. When an infested leaf falls during the rainy season,
hyphea may surface from the leaf scar and develop into a basidiocarp, evident as a white, flat,
velvety covering over the leaf scar and adjacent bark (ICCO, 2015). The creation and effective
release of basidiospores occur mostly at night. The spores are dispersed by the wind though high
14
humidity limits effective spore dispersion. The basidiocarps only develop when leaf fall occurs
during wet weather. They have a short lifespan and discharge spores only at night and when the
basidiocarps are sufficiently moist (ICCO, 2015)
2.1.2 The impact of pests and disease attack on cocoa production
The effects of pest infestation are of categories and implications. Below are the effects of pest
infestation on cocoa.
- Intrusive pests and other arthropods can cause cost-effective damage to ornamental crops
and are at great risk of being spread to non-infested areas through the shipment of
ornamental plants (Mannion, 2011).
- There has been an increase in the establishing of new pests in the scenery which cause
damage and are often generating enormous local impact due to the annoyance and loss they
can create. These populations also become pest reservoirs swelling up the risk of spread
to production areas (Kaushalya G. et al., 2010).
- The most noticeable effect of witches broom can be seen in Brazil where the introduction
of the disease in the region of Bahia produced a decrease in production of almost 70%
during a period of 10 years (ICCO, 2015).
- According to the ICCO (2015), one of the impacts of pests and diseases is that in the 20th,
the fungus spread through all of South America, Panama and the Caribbean, triggering high
losses in production.
- ICCO (2015), also states that the frosty pod rot fungus has now spread all over the Latin
American region, causing significant losses in production, even resulting in the
abandonment of cocoa farms.
- The P. palmivora causes total yield loss of 20-30% and tree deaths of 10% annually. P.
megakarya is the most important pathogen in Central and West Africa, known as the most
aggressive of the Pod Rot pathogens. P. capsici is widespread in Central and South
America, causing significant losses in favorable environments (ICCO, 2015). All the above
species are species of black pod disease.
- The disease (vascular-streak dieback) has spread ever since and is found in South East
Asia, causing significant losses in large commercial plantations in Malaysia (ICCO, 2015).
15
- Mirid damage alone, if left unattended for three years, can reduce yields by as much as
75% (ICCO, 2015).
- By 2000, CPB had infected 60,000 ha, imposing losses of US$ 40 million per year. The
spread of CPB along with the decline in the price of cocoa led to decreases in production
in Malaysia (ICCO, 2015).
2.1.2.1 Cocoa production in Cameroon
Cameroon, the fifth-biggest grower and who receives 250 billion CFA francs (308.6 million
pounds) a year from cocoa, accounting for about half its primary-sector exports. Cameroon's cocoa
output has been erratic. It has oscillated between record production and sharp drops in recent years
blamed on poor weather, disease outbreaks and lack of farming inputs (Anne and Bate, 2014).
Losses are involved due to disease and pests claim between 30 and 40 percent of Cameroon's
harvest, according to the industry regulator, NCCB (Anne and Bate, 2014). Climatic factors such
as rainfall, temperature, sunshine, humidity, soil moisture and wind affect cocoa production. But
the two major climatic factors which are important in determining cocoa growth are temperature
and rainfall (ICCO, 2011).
2.1.3 The various management strategies that are used to control cocoa pests and diseases.
There are different strategies to control cocoa pests. Each pest has a particular management
strategy used to combat this pest. But the most efficient way to reduce these pest attacks is to use
an integrated approach.
Cocoa pod borer. (CPB)
Regular complete harvesting of pods is almost certainly the most useful artistic technique. Other
helpful methods include; rampassan (enforcing a break in pod production) and
removal/burying/enclosing husks (DropData, 2012). Also, according to ICCO (2015), Regular
pruning of the cocoa canopy to less than 4 m in height is also an excellent practice. Pod-sleeving
with plastic bags also lessens attacks of CPB. Pods should be sleeved when they are about 8-10
cm long, and the sleeves should be left throughout the pod maturation period.
16
Historically, chemical control has been most effective with broad spectrum insecticides. These
initially included organochlorines (e.g. gamma-HCH or endosulfan) that have now been - or are
in the process of being - withdrawn for safety and environmental motives. Farmers in Sulawesi are
left with a choice amongst oganophosphates (e.g. chlorpyrifos) and pyrethroids (e.g. cypermethrin,
deltamethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin) and fipronil (similar mode of action to organochlorines).This
condition is not satisfactory, and collaborative research is currently underway to investigate
alternative, safer, efficient, but more environmentally sound products such as insect growth
regulators, but these appear to be less efficient and more expensive than neurotoxic insecticides
(DropData, 2012). Improved control using comparatively small amounts of contact pyrethroid or
carbamate insecticides, applied to the undersides of lower branches, keeps the CPB population
below economic damage levels. However, this is used as a last resort due to the high cost of
pesticides and the low prices of cocoa (ICCO, 2015)
Biologically, ICCO (2015) states that ants such as the black ant (Dolichoderus thoracicus) and the
weaver ant (Oecophylla smaragdina) are recommended. The fungus Beauvaria bassiana has also
been found to infect larvae and pupae, causing a 100% death rate. The use of traps with synthetic
pheromones or female pod borer moths can control the attack if enough males are caught, thereby
interrupting their reproduction cycle.
Mirids.
The cultural practice is to remove chupons often: mirids are attracted to the young and soft shoots
that cocoa trees grow during the season. Chupons that emerge at the base of trees must be removed
regularly, not just during the highest mirid season. Do not prune too severely as this will stress the
trees and cause the growth of new chupons, which increase mirid feeding (DropData, 2012). Shade
and Canopy management should be designed to attain a balance between mirid control, flowering
and black pod management. Another hosts should not be used as shade trees on cocoa farms
(ICCO, 2015). For the chemical practice, insecticides are widely used and effective: especially
when timed (often early in the season). If possible, only spray those areas in the farm that are
attacked by mirids (spot application). A careful and well-timed application can help farmers to
save money by using less insecticide, and decrease impact on natural enemies of this pest. In the
past, organochlorine insecticides (e.g. lindane, endosulfan) and carbamates (propoxur and
17
promecarb) have been chosen with vapor action and persistence to counteract poor application.
Several of these have been, or are in the course of being, withdrawn.
Modern, less toxic insecticides, such as neonicatinoids, are now available, but these are expensive
and not always available. Pyrethroids can be active, but they may kill beneficial insects such as
pollinators, so these must only be used as little as possible and only where mirids occur (DropData,
2012). Also, according to ICCO (2015) the use of organochlorine insecticide has proved to be
active in Ghana. The currently recommended insecticides are Imidacloprid, Actellic/Talstar, and
Promecarb. Pesticides are applied as foliar spray four times per year at monthly intervals using
motorized mist-blowing machines. An alternative approach is to use two sprays of persistent or
systemic insecticides a year on mature cocoa under a closed canopy. Reduced insecticide use also
allows populations of natural enemies to increase and provide a more suitable environment for
biological control. Biologically, the black ant (Dolichoderus thoracicus) has been used on some
farms as a control measure. Another ant (Oecophylla smaragdina) has also been used although
this one can be aggressive.
Stem borers.
Maintain a healthy and stable ecosystem to preserve natural enemies that destroy lepidopteran stem
borer caterpillars. Use pesticides rationally to keep insect pests in check and to protect natural
enemies of stem borer (http://www.dropdata.org/cocoa/icm_bkp.htm). Plant a barrier crop that is
not attractive to stem borers, such as Leucaena glauca, cocoyam, sweet potato or Pueraria species.
The barrier must be at least 15 m wide and established early for new plantings (DropData, 2012).
Rodents and other vertebrate pests.
Rat traps and nooses are familiar, but of little value for lowering populations: a combination of
good practices is most likely to be successful. These must be implemented over vast areas as
rodents reproduce and spread rapidly. Whole communities should work together, if possible. Good
farm management (weeding, light shade management, well-timed pruning, etc.) is necessary.
When rodents attack more than 4 out of 100 cocoa pods, farmers may want to ponder about
chemical control. Rodents can be baited and killed with poisoned wax blocks (encompassing the
anti-coagulants: brodifacoum, bromadiolone or warfarin), tied high up on trees to help evade
poisoning of children and farm animals. Baiting with anti-coagulant rodenticides is most likely to
18
work when farmers co-operate and treat as large an zone as possible at the same time - best in the
low season when rodents are most hungry (www.dropdata.org, 2015). Another problem is that rats
adapt and learn quickly not to eat the poison (bait shyness) (DropData, 2012).
Management practices used to control some diseases.
Witches broom disease
Concerning the witches broom disease, phytosanitary pruning is the only effective means of
control of Witches' Broom. Complete removal of all infected material is advocated, but it is an
impossible task because hidden inoculum sources always remain (ICCO, 2015). Various
fungicides have been tested showing different results. New compounds and chemicals, which
trigger the host plant's defenses, may offer a more efficient and economic control (ICCO, 2015).
Frosty pod rot disease
The cultural practice used for this illness is crop sanitation involving the removal of infested pods
is the primary method of control of the disease. This action has to be done with extreme care
because healthy pods can be infected during the process (ICCO, 2015). The use of copper and
organic protectors has proved to reduce the incidence of the disease. Systematic fungicides such
as Flutolanil have been found useful, although the use of agrochemicals is not economically
sustainable given the low prices of cocoa (ICCO, 2015).
Black pod disease
Cultural practices for the black pod disease are; Modification of farm management practices to
optimize shade and aeration through appropriate spacing and pruning to reduce surface wetness
should be effective. Frequent and complete harvesting, sanitation and adequate disposal of pod
mummies, infected pods and pod husks can reduce the disease (ICCO, 2015). Chemically,
Protectant Sprays of copper based fungicides, combined with the systematic fungicide metalaxyl
under high disease pressure, at three or four weekly intervals are frequently recommended. Some
controls involving the injection of the trunk with cheap inorganic salt and potassium phosphonate
have proven to be effective against P. palmivora in some producing regions (ICCO, 2015)
Breeding for resistance offers the best long-term management strategy. Reliable screens for
19
resistance have been developed and DNA markers could aid breeding programs. Another approach
is to seek out healthy individual trees among the great diversity of genotypes on farms under high
natural disease pressure (ICCO, 2015).
Vascular-streak Dieback.
Pruning diseased material about 30cm below the discolored xylem prevents further expansion of
infection and reduces inoculum levels. Opening the canopy and control of shading to increase
aeration and insolation of the foliage are important. The raising of planting material under a plastic
cover and away from infected plantations ensures that the material used for reproduction will be
disease-free (ICCO, 2015). Defensive fungicides are unlikely to be effective against this disease
since infection happens mainly during the wet season, and thus, the product is washed away. The
systematic fungicide propiconazole painted on the stems of young seedlings or applied as a spray
was effective in nursery conditions (ICCO, 2015).
2.1.3.1 Integrated pest management.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, IPM means
bearing in mind all available pest control techniques and other measures that deject the
development of pest populations, while reducing risks to human health and the environment. For
farmers, IPM is the best mixture of cultural, biological and chemical measures to manage diseases,
insects, weeds and other pests. It takes into account all relevant control tactics and methods that
are locally available, evaluating their potential cost-effectiveness (Intergrated Pest Management,
Croplife International, 2015 ).
IPM (integrated pest management) does not, however, consist of any absolute or rigid criteria. It
is a elastic system that makes good use of local resources and the latest research, technology,
knowledge and experience. Ultimately, IPM is a site-specific strategy for managing pests in the
most cost-effective, environmentally sound and socially acceptable way. Implementation of IPM
lies with farmers, who adopt practices they view as practical and valuable to their activities.
(croplife.org, 2014).
IPM practitioners in Cameroon have over time used ethnic knowledge systems in the control
of pests. Since the 1990s initiatives towards the growth of integrated crops protection against pests
20
and diseases are a major preoccupation of agricultural R&D institutions in Cameroon and the
EMCCA sub-region.
2.1.3.2 Benefits of integrated pest management.
IPM provides multiple benefits for society and the environment. It is vital for the long-term future
of the plant science industry.
- Improved crop profitability due to better pest control measures and appropriate use of crop
protection products (CLI, 2014).
- Stable, reliable and quality crop yields (CLI, 2014).
- Decreased severity of pest infestations (CLI, 2014).
- Reduced potential for problems of pest resistance or resurgence (CLI, 2014).
- Increased consumer confidence in the safety and quality of food and fiber products (CLI,
2014).
Crop protection companies that integrate IPM principles into marketing and customer support for
their products also stand to benefit from (croplife.org, 2015):
- Sustained market share and access (CLI, 2014).
- Less risk of restrictions or deregistration (CLI, 2014).
- New opportunities for established and novel products, techniques and services (CLI, 2014).
- Longer product lifecycles (CLI, 2014).
- Decreased resistance to pests to crop protection products and biotech plants (CLI, 2014).
- Increased public confidence in, and credibility of, the crop protection industry (CLI, 2014).
Integrated pest management components
IPM requires competence in three areas; which are prevention, monitoring, and intervention.
Prevention
Prevent the build-up of pests. Includes a range of practical strategies that suit local conditions
(Croplife.org, 2015). These strategies are; crop location, variety selection, strategic planting and
crop rotation, soil management, water management, optimizing plant nutrition, harvesting, and
storage, preserving biodiversity (ClI, 2014).
21
Monitoring
Monitor plants for both pests and natural control mechanisms. Involves scouting for pests (insects,
diseases, and weeds) to determine if, when and how intervention should occur (Croplife.org,
2015). Observing crops determines if, when and what action would be taken to maximize crop
production and quality. Decision-making tools vary from pegboards to computers and trained local
experts to remote-sensing technologies. Getting real-time information on what is happening in the
field is ideal (Croplife.org, 2015).
Intervention
Intervene when control measures are needed. Involves physical, biological and chemical methods
to preserve the economic value of crops with minimal effects on the environment. Reducing
economically harmful pests to acceptable levels may include cultural, physical, biological and
chemical control measures individually or in combination. Costs, benefits, timing, labor force and
equipment as well as economic, environmental and social impacts all have to be taken into
consideration (CLI, 2014).
Cocoa production and its impacts on the environment
The increasing world population cannot be sustained without the use of pesticides in food
production. Their usage therefore benefits not only farmers but also consumers. Pesticides are used
to reduce food losses not only during production but also during the post-harvest storage stage.
(George A. et al. 2011). The general pest control strategy is for the intervention to destroy the
insects feasting on the crops, but at the same time not to damage the produce so much as to render
them unhealthy or unprofitable.
The environmental impacts of sun cocoa are potential contamination from agrochemicals,
soil depletion, increased the threat of pests and diseases, deforestation, habitat loss, decreased
fauna and flora populations, forest fragmentation (Stephanie D, 2006).
The herbicides used to damage the land and the health of the sprayers applying the herbicide.
Excessive spraying of pesticides can also cause the weeds and insects to build up a resistance
which will eventually create more harm to the crops (Rice et al, 2000)
22
Intensive large-scale cocoa production can also result in reductions in biodiversity and soil fertility,
soil erosion, stream sedimentation and health and environmental problems associated with
agrochemical application and run-off (ICCO, 2015).
Cocoa farming also contributes to rainforest and old-growth forest deforestation (England, 1993).
By clearing land in these forests, farmers reduce the biodiversity and interactions between the
organisms that naturally live in this area (Bentley et al., 2004). Many wildlife habitats are
destroyed, and the plant species diversity is drastically reduced. Nutrients begin to leach out of the
soil due to poor irrigation and inadequate soil protection, (Piasentin et al., 2004) which can increase
the erosion of the soil (Slomkowski, 2005). The more intense the farming methods are, the more
harmful they are to the ecosystem (Asase, 2009).
2.2 Theoretical Framework.
High levels of yield loss to pests and disease is a major problem for world cocoa production.
Though over 1500 diverse insects are known to feed on cocoa, only about 2% are of economic
significance. However, when cocoa is introduced into a new area, a previously unrecorded pest
almost invariably attacks it. Mirid bugs such as Helopeltis are the most important and widely
occurring insect pests of cocoa, and the cocoa pod borer is a major pest in Malaysia and Indonesia
(www.daf.qld.gov.au 2015). Mealy bugs are not a major pest themselves but are a well-known
vector for viruses of cocoa. In the wild, natural sowing of cocoa relies on animals such as rats and
monkeys breaking into ripe pods and feeding on the sweet mucilage around the beans. Significant
yield losses from such damage are experienced in almost all parts of the world where cocoa is
grown and may well be 5-10% on average (SOQ, 2015).
2.2.1 Management practices for cocoa.
2.2.1.1 Integrated pest management
IPM is a collaborative decision support system for the selection and use of pest control tactics,
singly or harmoniously coordinated into a management strategy, based on cost/benefits analyzes
that take into account the interests of and impacts on producers, society, and the environment. IPM
is a protective system against the diseases and pests of crops that take into account the direct
23
relation between the dynamics of the population of the parasite and the environment. It uses all
techniques and suitable methods in a most possible compatible manner to maintain the size of the
populations at a level below the threshold of significant economic damages (Edson et al., 2013).
IPM thus coordinates the use of the biology of the pest or the pathogen, environmental information
and the available technology to limit unacceptable levels of damages due to parasites. This is done
by the most economic means, while presenting the least possible risk of people, goods, resources
and the environment
Overview of IPMs in the Cameroonian and EMCCA Context
IPM practitioners in Cameroon have over time used indigenous knowledge systems in the control
of pests. Since the 1990s initiatives towards the development of integrated crops protection against
pests and diseases are a major preoccupation of agricultural R&D institutions in Cameroon and
the EMCCA sub-region.
From a field extension perspective, indigenous knowledge systems on plant protection have been
exploited by the ESCAPP program which sponsored a nation-wide extensive diagnostic survey of
cassava production constraints in Cameroon in 1994. These knowledge systems include seed
treatment, treatment on the field during crop growth, or during post-harvest. Farmers and extension
workers select their planting materials from disease-free plants and equally use host-plant
resistance.
More recently, the Sustainable Tree Crops Program (STCP) has enhanced the promotion of
integrated control techniques at the level of peasant farmers against cocoa pests based on Farmer
Field School (FFS) Training on Integrated Pest Management in the humid forest region of
Cameroon. This concept which reflects a paradigm shift in extension work has been promoted in
recent years by some development agencies, including the World Bank as a more practical
approach to extend science-based knowledge and practices. It is a participatory approach of
diffusing new science-based knowledge and information to farmers (Edson et al., 2013).
2.2.1.2 Cultural controls.
Below are some cultural control methods for cocoa. The first rule for managing most cocoa pests
is to grow a healthy crop. Basic good agricultural practices (GAP) include:
24
- Weeding, shade management, removal of mistletoe, etc.
- do not let trees grow too tall and maintain a suitable tree height; there are various techniques for
rehabilitating trees, but they usually involve substantial loss of crop over 2-3 seasons.
- Harvest pods as regularly as possible and note: there is a difference in emphasis between sanitary
harvesting and regular complete harvesting (recommended for the severest problems such as FPR
and CPB);
- consider avoiding nearby trees that act as alternative hosts (e.g. kola trees in Africa that may
encourage mirids and P. megakarya; in Asia CPB also feeds on rambutan). (dropdata, 2012)
2.3 Gaps Identified In The Literature And How The Work Shall Attempt To Fill Them.
Best management practices used to increase cocoa production and how these management
practices increases yields are just few. So, this thesis will bring out other cultural methods which
can be used to control diseases which are not seen in the literature review. Also, some diseases
which affect cocoa production which has not been written in the literature review. So the researcher
got to the field in search for new information that will add to existing knowledge.
25
CHAPTER THREE
METHODOLOGY OF THE STUDY
3.1 Model Specification
This study was based on the conceptual models that consider a baseline situation where there is no
pest and disease occurrence and assumes the implementation of best farm management practices
in cocoa farming against any otherwise position. Equation 1 below was designed and used to make
practical judgments of the situational analysis.
3.3 Study Design
Figure 2: study design
The first step which the researcher undertook the study was to carry out a field survey.
3.3.1 Study Population (Sampling Frame)
The study population consisted of residents of these villages or settlements who have cocoa arms
and are cocoa farmers.
3.3.2 Sampling Techniques
A multi-staged sampling procedure was employed to select respondents for the study. In the first
stage, four out of the twenty-six local settlements in the Ekondo sub-division were selected based
on convenience. The chosen communities were Bekora, Lipenja, Kitta and Masore.
Field survey
Sampling population
Data collection
Data analysis
Results and discussions
26
The second step was to identify some representatives of the ministry of agriculture and rural
development so as to know the farmers involved in the cocoa production.
Thirdly, three heads of farmers CIGs (common initiative group) were also identified based on their
availability, and other farmers who did not belong to any CIG were also involved in the study. A
total of eighty farmers were included in the study based on their availability.
3.3.3 Study sample and sampling intensity
A total of 80 respondents from the various communities were selected for the study. In this
research, the target was more than the sample size. The distribution of questionnaires was not equal
in each settlement because the number of cocoa farmers available for the study of these settlements
was not equivalent. The highest numbers of farmers were gotten from Bekora as seen in Table 1
below:
Table 3.1: Distribution of respondents
Village Number of questionnaires
BEKORA 25
LIPENJA 16
KITTA 20
MASORE 19
TOTAL 80
3.3.4 Data collection
Primary Data
Primary data was obtained from a structured questionnaire containing close-ended questions on
the respondent’s socio-demographic characteristics. Open-ended questions were made to answer
the other research questions. A total of 80 questionnaires were administered. At the end of the
exercise, 1 inquiry was rejected for incomplete or inaccurate answers. Furthermore, a key
informant interview using an interview guide was conducted with a local buyer agent (LBA).
Finally, nonparticipant observations and field visits were made by the researcher to collect
27
relatively objective first-hand information on the state of pests and disease infestation on cocoa
production. During this exercise, field notes were also taken.
Secondary data
The secondary data for this study was collected from journals articles, desktop surveys, magazine
articles, websites publications, published thesis and lastly from desktop review books.
3.4. Analytical Approach
The quantitative data obtained from the questionnaire survey was analyzed using descriptive
statistics (frequency, percentages, and tables, charts) and data from semi-structured interviews
were analyzed and reported thematically.
3.5 validations of the results
For the validation of results, to achieve this, the researcher took necessary measures to ensure the
reliability of the data collection instruments, the validity of data collected, the appropriateness of
data analysis procedures and correctness in the interpretation of data analysis results.
To ensure the reliability of data collection instruments, pretesting was carried out. The
questionnaires were pretested in Bekora. At the end of this pre-test, some questions were added,
some rephrased to reduce ambiguity. Finally, the variables chosen were directly related to the
objectives of the study.
To ensure the validity of data collected, the researcher firstly had a face-to-face procedure
employed during questionnaire administration so that misunderstood and ambiguous questions
were clarified. Secondly, the questionnaires were administered in a language that was most
familiar to the respondents. More often, the questionnaires were translated into Pidgin English for
easier comprehension and completion. Thirdly, to avoid no response of questions in the
questionnaires, the researcher asked the questions to the farmers in Pidgin English while filling it
herself.
Finally, care was taken to ensure that the results of the test were correctly interpreted. To This
effect, a list of the possible test results and their respective interpretations were developed.
28
CHAPTER FOUR
PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS OF DATA
4.1 Demographic characteristics of the respondents
Figure 3 below presents the gender distribution of cocoa farmers in Ekondo Titi. The results show
that a majority (87.5%) of the respondents involved in the cocoa production were males while only
12.5% of them were females. This can be attributed to been due to the unequal access to the
essentials, such as credit and land that would allow women engage in cocoa farming and increase
their harvests. Also, other demands on their time have kept women from attending the agricultural
training sessions which are offered (Oxfam, 2012). In fact, women often get involved with such
property only through inheritance from their late husbands. Some go into joint partnerships with
men where the gain is shared on a 50:50 ration. However, both males and females reported that
the resources they obtain for the cocoa business were used to purchase household food items,
medical care, as well as for payment of school fees for their children and relatives.
Figure 3: sex of respondents
Figure 4 underneath presents the age group distribution of cocoa farmers in Ekondo Titi. The
results show that the majority (35%) of those involved in cocoa production fall within the age
group >56 years old while only 6.25% of them were within the age group 25-35 years old. The
figure also shows that as age increases, the number of people who get involved in cocoa production
also increases. This result is in line with the assertion of Anne and Bate (2014) who reported that
the average age of cocoa farmers in Cameroon ranged from 63 to 70 years depending on the region.
They suggested that this was due to young people today believe that success can only be achieved
when they are working in an office in big cities around the country.
87.50%
12.50%
Males
Females
29
Figure 4: age groups of the cocoa farmers
4.2 results of the study
4.2.1 Pest and diseases for cocoa crop identified in Ekondo Titi
i. Pests
Table 4.1: Types of pests affecting cocoa plant in Ekondo Titi
Name of pests Frequency Percentage Frequency
Ringbark borers 78 97.5%
Mirids 76 95%
Cocoa pod borer 66 82.5%
Cocoa beetle 62 77.5%
Flower eating caterpillars 50 62.5%
Broad mite 20 25%
1. Cocoa pod borer (CPB): The results show that 82.7% of the respondents reported that the
cocoa pod borer was a prominent pest that was affecting their crops. According to the
respondents, this pest is very dangerous and can lead to small production. This CPB causes
what they call “sun-ripe cocoa.” The pests have a probability of spreading if care is not
taken leading to a decrease in production as in the case of Malaysia (ICCO 2015).
2. Mirids: Besides, 95% respondent’s attested that the mirids is one of the pests affecting the
cocoa crop. The respondents commonly know mirids as capsids. The percentage of mirid
attack on cocoa crop according to the respondents is alarming and according to them when
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
25-35 36-45 46-55 56+
nu
mb
er o
f fa
rmer
s
age groups
30
gamaline is not used, this pest can cause severe damages to the crops. This is in line with
ICCO, 2015 when they said “mirid damage alone, if left unattended for three years can
reduce yields by 75%.”
3. Cocoa beetle: Again, 77.5% of the respondent’s affirmed that the cocoa beetle was one of
the pests affecting their crops. Cocoa beetle destroys the stem of the plant by boring into
it, thereby weakening the stem.
4. Ringbark borers: Moreover, 97.5% of the respondents of this study reported that the ring
bark borer or the stem borer is one of the pests affecting their crops. According to them,
this pest, in particular, makes them prune a lot especially the affected area of the plant. And
sometimes they say after pruning the plant keeps dying. Therefore, if this pest is not
controlled, it can lead to severe damages thereby reducing production. This is in agreement
with the findings of Dropdata, (2015), who said that “the pest can cause damage to trees
themselves, and may introduce diseases such as Phytophthora palmivora cankers; possibly
resulting in tree death.
5. Broad mite: Furthermore, 25% of the respondents reported that the broad mite is one of
the great pests that was affecting their crops. This pest feeds on fruits and young expanding
leaves.
6. Flower-eating caterpillar: Additionally, 62.5% of the respondents reported that the flower
eating caterpillar is one of the pest affecting cocoa crop. This pest is not commonly seen
and according to the respondents, they just hand pick the caterpillars if seen.
ii. Diseases
Table 4.2: Types of disease affecting cocoa production in Ekondo Titi.
Name of disease Frequency Percentage Frequency
Black pod disease 80 100%
Vascular-streak Dieback 66 82.5%
Frosty pod rot 64 80%
Cocoa swollen shoot virus 20 25%
Witches broom 16 20%
31
1. Black pod disease: From the table above the black pod disease is the most common and
occurring disease in ekondo titi. 100% of the respondents reported that the black pod
disease was occurring disease of the crops. According to the respondents is the black pod
disease is not treated immediately when it attacks a plant, the fungus can spread to other
plants leading to severe damages. This is in line with the ICCO that stated that “Under
humid conditions a single mummified pod infected with P. palmivora can produce up to
4 million sporangia which can be disseminated by rain, ants, flying insects, rodents, bats
and contaminated pruning material. In the case of P. megakarya, sporulation is usually
more abundant.” An example of an infected pod is seen below.
Figure 5: an example of black pod disease. (Source: field work, 2015)
2. Witches broom: Moreover, 20% of respondents affirmed that the witches broom disease
is another disease affecting their crop. Most of the respondents were not aware of the
disease because they find the disease symptom as a regular phenomenon.
3. Frosty pod rot: Additionally, 80% of the respondents affirmed that the frosty pod rot is
one of the diseases which affects their crops. This cocoa disease too is very common in
Ekondo Titi and the respondents are aware of the condition. According to the respondents,
this disease causes what is locally known as “flat beans” which means empty cocoa beans.
If appropriate measures are not taken on this illness, it can spread all over the community,
32
causing significant losses in production, even resulting in the abandonment of cocoa farms
as in the case of Latin America. An example of the disease is found below.
Figure 6: an example of a frosty pod rot disease. (Source: field work, 2015)
4. Cocoa swollen shoot virus: From the table above, it can be seen that 25% of the farmers
reported that the cocoa swollen shoot virus is also one of the diseases affecting their crops.
These respondents say it doesn’t attack mature plants but younger crops.
5. Vascular streak Dieback: Lastly, 82.5% of the respondents also reported that the
vascular-streak disease is also one of the diseases affecting their crops.
4.2.2 Farmers perceptions about the impact of pests and disease attack on cocoa production
Table 6 presents farmers perceptions about the impacts of pests and disease on their cocoa
production practices in the study area.
Table 4.3: Impacts of pest and disease attack on cocoa production.
Effects of pests and diseases Frequency Percentage Frequency
Do these pests and diseases
have impacts on livelihood?
78 97.5%
33
Do the pests and diseases
affect the quantity available
for the market?
76 95%
Do the pest and disease
affect the quality of the
product (cocoa beans)
62 77.5%
Do the pests and diseases
affect the health of the
crop?
60 75%
Do the pest and diseases
affect the price of the
product?
54 32.5%
Impacts on household income and schooling of children
Farmers rely mainly on cocoa farming and a reduction in income affects the whole family
including children:
“I spend too much money to buy chemicals, and hired labor, finally there is no money left for me
to pay my kids school fees”. (Male farmer, Bekora).
“The profits I get from the farm goes back into the farm leaving me with no money to feed my
family and but other household items or even to plant new cocoa trees.” (Male Farmer, Mosore).
Impact on the quantity of Cocoa Beans
The results show that 95% of the respondents agreed that pests and diseases affect the amount of
the cocoa beans that is made available for market. They explained that these pests and diseases
affected the cocoa pod, thereby destroying the beans in the pods, causing a reduction of the total
quantity/ha of beans, hence, a lower farm output. The following is a personal statement from a
respondent from Bekora village in Ekondo Titi.
34
“These diseases, especially the frosty pod rot, reduce a number of beans in the cocoa pod. After
harvesting and drying of the beans, I usually separate those empty seeds from the whole beans but
at the end, I don’t get the expected quantity. Can you imagine that I harvested just 30 bags for 4
hectares from my farm this year?” (Male, farmer Bekora).
“the black pod disease damages many pods and sometimes the fungus can spread to other pods
destroying a good quantity of seeds”. Female, farmer Bekora.
It was noted that pest infestation occurred mostly on the farm and during the rainy seasons. During
these periods, the beans were usually harvested and dried in an oven (Brooks type), while the
farmers take advantage of the sun during the dry season. Remarkably, farmers did not store their
beans for a longer period after drying. Hence only the mold fungus presented a threat on the cocoa
beans in the study area especially during the rainy season. This finding conforms to ICCO (2015)
which stated that the fungus pest has spread into different fields among the world and is causing
significant losses. This is different from the case of Ghana where dry cocoa beans are usually
stored for longer periods which attracts other insect pests. Jonfia-Essien (2004) monitored dry
cocoa beans in Ghana for insect pests associated with cocoa storage from 1995 to 2000 and
identified eleven species including Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) Cryptolestes ferrugineus
(Stephens), E. cautella, L. serricorne and A. fasciculatus. Insect pests inflict their damage on stored
products mainly by direct feeding, but their very presence in foodstuffs is a nuisance. In many
species, both larvae and adults cause damage, which may be devastating at times.
Impacts on the quality of cocoa beans
Moreover, 77.5% of the respondents affirmed that pests and disease attack on cocoa production
affects the quality of the product (beans). It is a known fact that high moisture content results in
mold infection. Microflora, particularly molds, has been associated with FFA occurrence in stored
cocoa beans (Pontillon, 1998). Increase in FFA during storage could be attributed to the activities
of the enzyme lipase, which is naturally present in raw cocoa (Minifie, 1989). The enzymes
become active due to the changes in moisture content of the beans and high temperatures of the
storage environment. Various cocoa standards that apply relate to flavor and purity or
wholesomeness. The most important of these standards are the ISO standards (ISO, 1973) and
those in the contracts of various trade associations such as Cocoa Association of London, the
Association Française du Commerce des Cacao, and the US Cocoa Merchants Association (Jonfia-
35
Essien, 2004). The grade standards are based on the cut test that allows individual gross flavor
defects to be identified by cutting open the beans to reveal the color of the dried nib (Anon., 1996).
Jonfia-Essien and Navarro (2010) have observed that some cocoa beans with a low moisture
content of 6.5% were found to contain high FFA levels which reduce the quality of the cocoa
beans. Jonfia-Essien and Navarro (2010) also reported that FFA content in dry cocoa beans
increases with insect infestation.
Impacts on the health of the crop
Farmers said that the pest and disease infestation prevented their crops from taking up water and
nutrients from the soil adequately, so the lifespan of their cocoa crop reduces because it destroys
the roots and trunk of the cocoa tree.
“Nematodes eats the roots of the plants, which leads to the death of the entire plant”. Male,
Farmer, Lipenja.
“The ring bark borer damaged my cocoa stems killing the entire tree”. Male Farmer Kitta.
Impacts on trade
Besides, 32.5% of the respondents said that pest and diseases affect the price of the beans. This is
because the price of cocoa beans per 100kg has dropped remarkably (145000frs of 100kg -
87000frs). Therefore, there is a 60% drop. This stems from the current emphasis on the cocoa trade
placed on the content of free fatty acids (FFA) which is influenced by many factors including
humidity, molds, and oxygen. Though the use of pesticide in the control of insect infestation in
cocoa beans has been associated with residue and Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs)
determination has now become a requirement. FFA level has ushered in an additional standard that
will enhance the production of superior quality of cocoa beans, which is expected to have a positive
impact on cocoa trade in the future.
More so, 47.5% said that pests and diseases affect the consumer demand because the quality of the
beans is low and so there is a small supply.
Other impacts of pests and disease attack according to the respondents which affect cocoa
production are seen below.
36
4.2.3 Farmers management practices and the problems that hinder farmers to ensure
quality cocoa beans production
The result reveals that the respondents used a variety of management strategies that addressed the
cultural and chemical control measures to fight against the cocoa pests and diseases. The primary
management practices were: proper drying, clearing, regular spraying, pruning, and proper
fermentation. Evidence though anecdotal suggests that planting of good variety can results in
uniform-sized cocoa beans while regular weeding deals with weeds that harbor pests and diseases.
Pruning, avoiding over ripped pods and selection of diseased pods were the other practices adopted
by farmers to ensure quality. These accounted for 97.6% of their management practices to control
pest and diseases in Ekondo Titi. Hagan (2006) indicated that low-quality cocoa beans is usually
the result of erratic rainfall, pests and diseases, improper fermentation and drying of cocoa beans.
They explained that low-quality cocoa beans show purple coloration, the heterogeneous size of
beans, off-flavor and off-aroma of beans, diseased beans and the presence of foreign materials.
Table 4.4. Farmer’s management practices to control pest and disease
Method Response (%Score) Rank
Proper drying 19.4 1
Clearing 19.1 2
Regular spraying 18.2 3
Pruning 16.4 4
Proper fermentation 12.4 5
Selecting and cutting off infected pods 12.1 6
killing of insects with hands or sticks
when seen
1.2 7
Removal coupons after clearing 1.2 7
Farmers sold their cocoa beans to local agents who in turn sell directly to licensed buying
companies (CAMACO). Both buyers determine the condition of the cocoa beans at each level
before purchase. When the quality is detected little the farmers are affected because the price falls.
It was noticed that no biological control method was intentionally used to reduce pest and disease
infestation on cocoa. However, farmers reported the existence of the recalcitrant black ant which
37
is a well-known natural predator of the Mirid pests as reported by ICCO (2015). Therefore, is can
be suggested that biological control occurred in the study area, but the farmers were unaware since
it was unnoticeable to them. Some commonly used chemicals in this area include: Sinomil (used
for black pod disease), Kunfu, Gawal, Ridomil gold, Atara (insecticide), Iron 30sc, Callomil plus
(fungicide), Gawa 30sc (insecticide), Glyphosam (pesticide), OK mil (fungicide), Co fresh
(insecticide), Nordox. Farmers preferred the use of chemicals to for control cocoa pests and
diseases in the study area. Uncommonly, a female farmer reported the use of wood-ash to combat
some of these pests and diseases.
“When I don’t have enough money to buy chemicals, I use wood ash to apply to the affected
portions of the crop, (especially on their stem), but when I have money I buy the chemicals and
spray it on my plants.”
Folayan (2010) identified cocoa quality control measures adopted by cocoa farmers in Nigeria to
include acceptable farm management practices, timely harvesting of ripped cocoa beans, sufficient
fermentation of cocoa beans, proper drying of cocoa, and safe storage of well-dried cocoa beans.
FAO (2015) reported the common practice to sprinkle wood ash on vegetable crops, mainly
growing in kitchen garden and to spread it around plants to ward off pests and to enhance the
nutrient status of the soil. This practice should not be limited only to vegetable crop protection but
can also be integrated with cocoa crop protection to fight against pests. This is because it is a
source of phosphorus for plants and it also acts as a physical poison usually causing abrasion of
epicuticular waxes and thus exposing pests to death through desiccation. It also interferes with the
chemical signals emanating from the host plants thus obstructing the initial host location by
parisites. The treated foliage further becomes unpalatable for foliage feeders like cutworms,
caterpillars, grasshoppers, etc. Perhaps using such an eco-friendly approaches which are not
destructive to natural environment and human health but gradually remove sizeable proportions of
pest populations and keeping their populations in check. This can reduce the harm from synthetic
chemical pesticides upon the bio-environment by large-scale destruction of natural bio-enemies
causing pest resurgence, development of resistance to pesticides and consequent secondary pest
outbreaks. Even the modem concept of pest control does not emphasize the outright eradication of
pests but focuses on maintaining their populations at levels which do not cause economic losses.
38
Problems farmers face ensuring quality cocoa beans
Table 4.1 present some problems that farmers face in providing high-quality cocoa beans. The
main problems reported were: financial constraint, pest and diseases, the high cost of spraying,
problem of weeds and the high cost of labour. These accounted for 93.2% of the issues affecting
the quality of cocoa beans in Ekondo Titi.
Table 4.5: Problems farmers face in ensuring quality cocoa beans
Problems Response (% Score) Rank
Financial constraint 32.3 1
Pest and diseases 20.4 2
High cost of spraying 16.8 3
Unavailability of drying facilities
especially during the rainy seasons
14.3 4
Problem of weeds 5.8 5
High cost of labor 3.6 6
Erratic rainfall 2.7 7
Ill health of farmer 1.4 8
Unavailability of good variety 1.4 8
Long distances of cocoa farm 1.3 9
Farmers reported that they faced financial difficulties in carrying out the recommended practices
to ensure high-quality cocoa beans.
Unavailability of space/facilities for drying of the cocoa beans: farmers reported that time and
drying facilities are usually unavailable for them to dry their harvested cocoa beans, especially
during the rainy season. More so, their oven drying facilities are inefficient, and they don’t have
enough money to construct modern drying ovens. Benjamin et al. (2011) explicated that when
there is limited space or drying facilities, the fresh cocoa beans is allowed to stand for longer
periods without getting dry. This allows for high fermentation of the beans affecting the color
(brown color turns black), flavor and increase in free fatty acids (FFA).
39
High cost of spraying and labor: According to the farmers, they face financial difficulties in
carrying out the recommended practices to ensure high-quality cocoa beans. They singled out the
high cost of agrochemicals and spraying guns needed to spray their farms against pests and
diseases. Dormon et al. (2004) reported that the incidence of cocoa pests and diseases in Ghana
persisted and contributed to low yields due to inadequate crop management. They asserted that
pests such as mistletoe competed with the cocoa plant for water and nutrients thereby reducing
output while diseases like black pod also cause malformation of the cocoa pod resulting in the
reduction in the size of the beans. They added that most farmers in Ghana who did not control
pests and diseases attributed it to the high cost of pesticides, spraying equipment, and labor. The
respondents pointed out that not every farmer benefitted from the mass cocoa spraying exercise
instituted by the government and those who wanted to spray their farms found the cost prohibitive.
The farmers noted that when farms are properly sprayed, the pods became free of diseases resulting
in high-quality beans. It is arguable that the cocoa mass spraying exercise to control pests and
diseases does not reach its full potential because it usually does not fulfill its mandate of ensuring
that cocoa farms are sprayed four times a year Abankwah et al. (2010).
Weed control: farmers reported that the problem of pests and diseases is associated with the
problem of weeds. This result ties with the findings of Benjamin et al. (2011) who elucidated that
weeds harbor pests and diseases which affect the quality of cocoa beans. They added that the rising
labor cost poses a challenge to farmers’ ability to keep their farms clean of weeds, thus
compromising the quality of the beans they produce. Farmers identified the high cost of labor as a
challenge in ensuring high quantity and quality cocoa beans. Dormon et al. (2004) expounded that
low labor is a problem in cocoa production in Ghana.
The results show that these challenges are directly or indirectly related to pest and disease attack
on cocoa production. Therefore, it can be suggested that these challenges have led in the inability
for farmers to manage properly pests and disease occurrence in the study area. Analysis of the
current situation reveals that the quality and quantity rating (Y=16) is significantly greater
(P<0.05) than the baseline situation.
40
Farmers’ recommendations to fight against pest and disease and high-quality cocoa beans:
Table 4.6 shows the measure which farmers recommend as a mean to fight against pest and disease
while ensuring high-quality cocoa beans.
Table 4.6: Measures to combat pest and disease and provide high-quality cocoa beans
Method Response (% Score) Rank
Access to credit 56 1
Education on post-harvest
management
28 2
Subsidies on inputs 12 3
Formation of farmers’ cooperative 4 4
Fifty-six (56) percent of the farmers suggested the provision of loans to farmers through micro-
finance schemes to assist farmers to purchase necessary inputs such as spraying guns. This will
enable them to spray their farms three times in a year to ensure proper control of pests and diseases.
Twenty-eight (28) percent of the respondents also suggested extension education on proper post-
harvest management to enable farmers to produce high-quality cocoa beans. Twelve (12) percent
of the cocoa farmers proposed subsidies on inputs especially spraying guns. This will reduce the
cost of hiring spraying gun and also ensure regular spraying of farms. Four (4) percent of the
respondents mentioned the formation of farmer’s co-operatives as a way of receiving extension
education and dissemination of information in Ekondo Titi.
4.3 Implication of the Results
The result shows that the cocoa sector in Cameroon should receive more attention from the
Cameroon government in an attempt to increase the country’s output levels, quality of the cocoa
beans and foreign exchange earnings. Achieving these goals calls for measures to maintain and
possibly increase product quality since quality determines the value of a product.
Government involvement in quality control has meant that licensed buying companies cannot
adulterate produce sold to Cocobod for shipment. Notwithstanding, the good reputation of
41
Cameroon’s cocoa and the efforts to maintain quality, there are indications that quality can be
compromised in the face of market liberalization (Osei, 2007).
4.4 limitations of the study.
Although this work was carefully carried out, the researcher faced some limitations like bad road
accessibility which rendered the movement of the farmers and the researcher difficult and not all
farms where been visited. Also, the language barrier was another limitation of the study since most
respondents were illiterates and could express themselves properly only in Pidgin English, so the
researcher faced some problem administering the questions to the respondents since the researcher
had to translate the questions into pidgin for proper understanding of the respondents.
42
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Summary of findings
From the results of chapter four, it is seen that there are several types of pests and diseases affecting
cocoa production which affect production. These pests and diseases cause a lot of damages to
cocoa plants thereby stressing the cocoa farmers. Also with the changing climatic conditions and
the existence of bad roads, it encourages these pests and disease development on their farms.
These pests and disease infestation have a lot of impacts on the farmer, his production, and his
total output. These pests and disease infestation affects the quantity of the cocoa beans, the quality
of the beans, they also have impacts on trade, on the health of the crop and lastly on household
income and schooling of children.
To reduce these pests and disease attack on cocoa production, these farmers carry out some
management practices to reduce these pests and disease attack. They carry out some cultural
practices by applying some wood ache on some conditions to reduce their spread. Also, farm
maintenance like clearing, pruning is done. Also, the chemical control method is also used whereby
spraying is mostly made. Spraying includes the used of herbicides, fungicides and insecticides in
the farm. To the farmers, the chemical control method is the best and most efficient method used
to reduce pests and disease infestation on cocoa production.
Also, problems that hinder farmers to ensure quality cocoa beans production like financial
constraint pest and diseases, the high cost of spraying, unavailability of drying facilities especially
during the rainy seasons, the problem of weeds was viewed at, and it was noticed that these four
problems are the major problems they face.
5.2 Conclusion.
Based on the findings, it can be concluded that pests and disease infestation on cocoa is very
dangerous and it’s one of the primary cause of low production of cocoa in Cameroon. If not taken
care of, this pests and disease infestation can lead to abandonment of vast cocoa farms and a drop
in Cameroon’s cocoa production. Some of these pests are mirids, CPB, cocoa beetle while some
of the diseases are black pod disease; witches broom disease and many others. Pests and disease
43
infestation affects cocoa production and also yields of the farmers per month/year. These pests and
disease infestation have impacts on the quantity of the cocoa beans, on the quality of the cocoa
beans, they also have effects on trade, the health of the crop and lastly on livelihood. Although
these pests and disease cause a lot of adverse effects on crop production, farmers use various
management practices to reduce the impacts. Some of these practices are; proper drying, clearing,
regular spraying, pruning, proper fermentation, selecting and cutting of infected pods and removal
of coupons. It can also be concluded that farmers face problems to ensure quality cocoa beans and
these farmers also recommended some ways to fight against pest and disease and bring about high
quality cocoa beans.
5.3 Recommendation
- More farmers schools should be created in communities so that farmers will be well
educated about these cocoa pests and diseases and how to remedy their attacks on the crops.
(that is best, or appropriate management strategies should be taught to the farmers)
- The government should provide more incentives of bonuses to the farmers like a chemical.
This will help reduce the impact of pest and disease infestation on cocoa production.
- Measures to fight against pest and disease and ensure high-quality cocoa beans should also
be taken into consideration by the government.
- Improved management practices should be introduced in Cameroon especially chemicals
to fight against these pests and disease.
5.4 Suggested Areas for Further Research
- Further research should be carried out in the whole of Ekondo Titi sub-division concerning
pests and disease management in cocoa production
- Also, research should be conducted on productivity trend of cocoa production in the
Ekondo Titi sub-division.
- Other topics like mass cocoa spraying and the effects of climate change on cocoa
production were not taken into consideration by the researcher. Thus further research will
be required in this field.
44
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1
QUESTIONNAIRE SAMPLE
Good day. I am A. Fouomene Estelle. A BSC student (sustainable development in environment
and agriculture) in the Pan African Institute for Development West Africa Buea carrying on a
research assessing pests and disease management. Through this brief survey, your answers will be
helpful in enhancing the continuation of this research. Your answers will only be used for survey
purposes. Give a tick in the bracket for yes.
Thank you very much for your time and suggestions
NAME OF DATA COLLECTOR: _______________________TEL:___________
SEX: female ( )
Male ( )
AGE GROUP: 25-35 ( )
36-45 ( )
46-55 ( )
56+ ( )
A. List of some pests and diseases affecting cocoa production
Name of pest( yes ) ( no ) Name of disease yes no
1. cocoa pod borer ( ) ( ) 1.Black pod disease ( ) ( )
2.Mirids ( ) ( ) 2.Witches Broom ( ) ( )
3.Cocoa beetle ( ) ( ) 3.frosty pod rot ( ) ( )
4.Thrimps ( ) ( ) 4. cocoa swollen shoot virus( ) ( )
2
5.ring bark borers ( ) ( )
6.Broad mite ( ) ( )
7.flower eating caterpillars( )( )
5.Vascular-streak dieback ( ) ( )
B. What are the impact of pest and disease attack on cocoa production
The damage done by this pest or disease affects the following (give a tick if it is a yes):
Yes No Describe negative impact
- Quantity available for market ( ) ( ) ______________________________
- Quality of product ( ) ( ) ______________________________
- Price of product ( ) ( ) ______________________________
- Health of the crop ( ) ( ) ______________________________
- Livelihood of the farmer ( ) ( ) ______________________________
C. What management strategies that are used to control these pests and disease?
Method Yes No
Proper drying ( ) ( )
Clearing ( ) ( )
Regular spraying ( ) ( )
Pruning ( ) ( )
Proper fermentation ( ) ( )
Selecting and cutting off infected pods ( ) ( )
Killing of insects with hands or sticks when seen ( ) ( )
Removal coupons after clearing ( ) ( )
D. What problems are faced in ensuring quality cocoa beans
Problems Yes No
3
Financial constraint ( ) ( )
Pest and diseases ( ) ( )
High cost of spraying ( ) ( )
Unavailability of drying facilities ( ) ( )
Problem of weeds ( ) ( )
High cost of labour ( ) ( )
Erratic rainfall ( ) ( )
Poor health of farmer ( ) ( )
Unavailability of good variety ( ) ( )
Long distances of cocoa farms ( ) ( )
E. Measures to fight against pest and disease and ensure high quality cocoa beans
Method Yes No
Access to credit ( ) ( )
Education on post-harvest management ( ) ( )
Subsidies on inputs ( ) ( )
Formation of farmers cooperative ( ) ( )