Determinants and Policy Ramifications of Cocoa Farmers’ Use of Agrochemicals in Cocoa-Based (Theobroma cacao) Agroforestry Systems in Cameroon

Abstract

The application of agrochemicals in agroforestry systems in general and cocoa-based agroforestry systems in particular is unprecedented as agroforestry systems are considered as environmentally benign, agro-ecological and sustainable agricultural systems. It was within this context that this study was undertaken to examine the determinants of cocoa farmers’ use of agrochemical in cocoa-based agroforestry systems. Through a mixed research approach, and data analysis using appropriate descriptive and inferential statistical tools, it was found that the main types of herbicides used by cocoa farmers in cocoa-based agroforestry systems are Paraquat (50%) and Glyphosate (40%). For fungicides, the main types used were Mancozeb (70%), Maneb (65%), Ridomil (60%), Caocobre (50%), and Nordox (40%). For insecticides, the main types used were Methyl (65%), Imidacloprid (60%), Endosulfan (50%), Cypermethrin (50%), and Fenobucarp (40%). The most common pests and diseases affecting cocoa perceived by cocoa farmers in cocoa-based agroforestry systems were Black pod – Phytophtora spp (100%), Capsid/Mirids – Distantiella theobroma and Sahlbergella singularis (100%), Cocoa Swollen Shoot Virus Disease – CSSVD (60%), Witches’ broom – Crinipellis perniciosa (50%) and Vascular streak dieback (40%). Most cocoa farmers perceived that the use of all three agrochemicals (herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides) in cocoa-based agroforestry systems have negative socio-economic and environmental impacts.  From Spearman rank correlation and logistic regression coefficients, it was noticed that the main explanatory variables having a statistically significant direct non-cause-effect and cause-effect relationship (p<0.05) with cocoa farmers’ use of agrochemicals in cocoa-based agroforestry systems were gender, income, availability of agrochemicals, access to information, membership in farming groups, and access to extension services. Meanwhile the main explanatory variables having a statistically significant indirect or inverse non-cause-effect and cause-effect relationship (p<0.05) with cocoa farmers’ use of agrochemicals in cocoa-based agroforestry systems were farm size and number of farms. It is recommended that policy makers take a critical look at the different agrochemicals used by cocoa farmers as well as the determinants of their use when formulating policies geared towards ensuring the sustainable use of these agrochemicals in cocoa-based agroforestry systems.