Finding the nexus between associative mechanisms and cocoa Farmer resilience against natural hazards in Ghana

ABSTRACT

Existing literature has acknowledged the vulnerability of cocoa farming to various natural hazards but there is a notable dearth of research comprehensively exploring the specific associative mechanisms that cocoa farmers employ to tackle these challenges. Employing a quantitative research approach, the investigation draws on data collected from a sample of 384 cocoa farmers who were selected using the multi-stage sampling technique. The findings reveal that religious groups are the most available associative mechanisms (86.98%) while cooperative societies emerge as a widely used associative mechanism among cocoa farmers (Mean = 4.16). The prevalence of diseases and pests (91.9%), and drought (70.3%) pose substantial threats to cocoa cultivation. In enhancing the resilience of cocoa farmers against natural hazards, associative mechanisms serve as a linchpin by providing access to timely information (Mean = 4.11). Farmers’ biggest challenge in their associative mechanisms is ‘limited support and recognition from the government or policy framework’ (Mean rank = 7.24). The insights gleaned from the research underscore the crucial role of associative mechanisms, particularly cooperative societies, in bolstering the resilience of cocoa farmers. The ability of these mechanisms to serve as conduits for information dissemination, resource pooling, and collaborative problem-solving is highlighted as instrumental in mitigating the adverse impacts of natural hazards. In this light, the study advocates for the continued support and fortification of associative mechanisms as a strategic approach to enhancing cocoa farmer resilience in the face of prevalent and emerging natural challenges.

KEYWORDS:

• associative mechanisms
• cocoa farmers
• natural hazards
• resilience

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Public interest statement

In the face of increasing natural hazards, a pioneering study in the Offinso South Municipality uncovers the pivotal role of social groups in enhancing the resilience of cocoa farmers. With insights from 384 farmers, the research highlights the severe challenges posed by diseases, pests, and drought to cocoa cultivation. Cooperative societies emerge as vital mechanisms, facilitating information flow, resource pooling, and collaborative problem-solving. This study passionately advocates for sustained support to these associative structures, recognizing their instrumental role in fortifying cocoa farmers. By doing so, we not only mitigate existing risks but also empower farmers to confront emerging challenges. As Ghana’s cocoa industry grapples with uncertainties, this research stands as a clarion call for collective action, urging stakeholders to fortify the resilience of cocoa farmers for a prosperous and sustainable future.

Data availability statement

Data will be made available upon request

Statements and declarations

Authors declare that they did NOT receive funding, grants, or in-kind support from agencies, industrial or commercial parties in support of the research or the preparation of the manuscript. Authors have NO association or financial involvement (i.e. consultancies/advisory board, stock ownerships/options, equity interest, patents received or pending, royalties/honorary) with any organization or commercial entity having a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or research presented in the manuscript.

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.

Notes on contributors

Enoch Kwame Tham-Agyekum

Enoch Kwame Tham-Agyekum holds a PhD degree in Agricultural Extension from the University of Cape Coast, Ghana. He has expertise in extension education, development communication, rural development and climate studies. He is a lecturer at the Department of Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness and Extension, KNUST-Kumasi, Ghana. Felix Kyei holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture from KNUST. John-Eudes Andivi Bakang holds a PhD degree in agricultural extension from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. He lectures at the Department of Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness and Extension, KNUST-Kumasi, Ghana. Henry Oppong Tuffour holds a PhD degree in Soil Science from KNUST-Kumasi, Ghana. He is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Crop and Soil Science, KNUST. Winnefred Mensah is a Senior Laboratory Technician at the Department of Crops and Soil Science. Elsie Assan is a postdoctoral researcher at the Pennsylvania State University, USA.