Analysis on household benefits of cocoa rehabilitation and regression in Liberia Cocoa Belt

Abstract

The status of smallholder cocoa farms in Liberia's cocoa belt is investigated in the present study (Bong, Lofa, and Nimba Counties). Furthermore, the first part of the study focused on a household survey among cocoa farmers, with the results published in a separate report in 2016, and the second part of the study focused on road rehabilitation, cocoa marketing, and the state of cocoa farms. Farmers reported that the quality of their cocoa farms had improved slightly. Farm management practices remain at a basic level, resulting in low productivity (e.g., everyday input use and the predominance of local cocoa varieties). On cocoa farms, pests and diseases such as rodents and black pod disease are common. In terms of cocoa production and income, there are significant regional differences, with Lofa farmers producing and earning the least compared to other cocoa farmers in Bong and Nimba Counties. Cocoa farm rehabilitation appears to be more closely linked to cocoa income than cocoa production. The effects of cocoa rehabilitation that can be seen are still inconclusive. Cocoa production and revenue have increased since the baseline study, and this is true for both participants and non-participants in cocoa rehabilitation projects. The value of a household's goods and assets has no strong relationship with cocoa rehabilitation or cocoa revenues. These outcomes at the household level are strongly linked to household characteristics (gender and head of household, household size, and permanent illness within the household). According to a study on household food security and cocoa income, cocoa rehabilitation could indirectly contribute to food security. Secondary and primary roads in Lofa County, Guatemala, are being repaired, which helps people have enough food to eat. The findings show that cocoa farm conditions need to be improved; cocoa practices are still at a basic level, so more investment is needed to make significant changes in Liberia's cocoa sector. It is not so much a question of whether or not farmers are interested in cocoa rehabilitation, but rather whether or not they are aware of and eligible for assistance.