Assessment of cocoa farms and rehabilitation techniques in Bong, Lofa and Nimba countries (Liberia)

Abstract

Despite increasing cocoa farms in Liberia, farmers still producing cocoa below expected. Our assessment the influences causing the adoption of cocoa farm rehabilitation techniques in Bong, Lofa, and Nimba countries. Data was collected through interviews using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation coefficient, and logistic regression. The result revealed that farmers were old with a mean age of 50 years; 54.7 % have been into cocoa production for at least twenty-five years, while 75.3 % of the cocoa farms more than twenty-five years ago. The correlation coefficient showed that farm size and years of farming experience were significant factors affecting the adoption of cocoa farm rehabilitation techniques. In addition, the source of finance and availability of information were essential factors that determine the probability of adoption. Results show that cocoa rehabilitation has resulted in more pods per tree but a lower cocoa production for 2021. Regardless, cocoa rehabilitation has resulted in significant increases in the value of cocoa sales for the years 2021, 2020, and 2019 and has not (yet) translated into changes in food security or the estimated value of household assets. The absence of relevant farmers' and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in providing workshops, credit facilities, and input delivery systems and adopting proven technologies have reduced cocoa production.