Cocoa Farmers Research Articles

MULTIVARIATE PROBIT MODELING OF CLIMATE-SMART ADAPTATION CHOICES AMONG FARMERS IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA: GHANAIAN STUDY OF COCOA FARMERS

Climate change and variability pose significant challenges to cocoa production in many sub-Saharan African countries, and Ghana is no exception. Therefore, knowledge of how farmers react to climate change and its variability effects is crucial in developing policies and programs to guide the design and implementation of effective climate-smart adaptation strategies at the farm level in Africa. This study aims to examine climate-smart adaptation choices cocoa farmers make as coping strategies for climate change and variability in Ghana using a multivariate probit modeling approach. Following a multistage sampling procedure, primary data was collected from 720 cocoa farmers across the major cocoa-growing regions in Ghana. The study found major adaptation choices for cocoa farmers to include improved and resistant varieties, optimal fertilizer application, optimal pesticide application, adjusting planting/harvesting dates, shade tree management, crop diversification, non-crop diversification, and off-farm economic diversification. We further observed that farmers’ adaptation choices were significantly influenced by climate change and adaptation-related variables such as rainfall variability index, temperature variability index, climate change impact perception index, and CSA awareness as well as agroclimatic zone effects. Concerning the influence of farmer and farm-specific variables, the study identifies that sex, age, education, farm size, quality of extension services delivery, access to credit, and membership in farmer groups were significant predictors of farmers’ CSA decision choices. This study offers beneficial insights for policymakers and stakeholders on how to promote climate-smart adaptation methods among cocoa farmers in Ghana.

Is there a LINKAGE between credit access, land use, and crop diversification in achieving food security? Evidence from cocoa-producing households in Nigeria

Cocoa farmers in Nigeria adopt crop diversification to safeguard the food security of their households. Although credit and land are thought to play a vital role in crop diversification, they continue to have limited access to credit and land. This study investigated the linkages between access to credit, land use, crop diversification, and food security with a focus on cocoa farming households. A multistage sampling procedure was used to obtain data for the study. Data were analyzed with the aid of descriptive statistics, the Heifindahl index, the Tobit regression model, the food consumption score, and the ordered Logit regression model. The results for the entire respondents showed mean values of 55 years for age, 31 years for farming experience, 6 people for household size, and 5 ha for farm size. Heifindahl index shows 38.67 % of the respondents had low crop diversification in the study area. Tobit regression model reveals that access to credit, farming experience, cooperative organization, access to extension service, farm size, distance to farms, and labour are the main albeit significant factors that determine crop diversification among cocoa farming households. Food consumption score revealed that 46.67 % were poor, 30.67 % were at the borderline and about 27.67 % were within the acceptable threshold. The ordered logit model revealed that crop diversification index, formal education, access to credit, farm size, land use, and farming experience have a significant influence on the food security of households. The study concluded that there is a positive relationship between access to credit, land use, crop diversification, and food security. Therefore, the government and financial institutions should make credit facilities accessible to cocoa farmers to improve their livelihood.

Empowering farmers and enhancing sustainability: Inaru’s impact on the Dominican cocoa industry

Learning outcomes After completion of the case study, the students will be able to understand the challenges faced by cocoa farmers in developing countries and their impact on the cocoa value chain, describe the need for a business to create a business model that offers social impact in small developing economies, explore innovative business models, such as vertical integration, for addressing transparency and fair compensation issues in agricultural supply chains, analyze the role that start-ups can play in disrupting the commodities supply chain and building a national competitive advantage and examine how a values-driven business can gain the trust of stakeholders and create a profitable ecosystem. Case overview/synopsis This case study describes the innovative business model of Inaru Corporation, a pioneering venture founded by two sisters, Janett Liriano and Erika, aimed at revolutionizing the cocoa industry in the Dominican Republic. This case study outlines the challenges faced by cocoa farmers in the country, including low productivity, exploitation by middlemen and lack of value addition. Inaru’s innovative business model aimed to disrupt the traditional supply chains by prioritizing fair compensation for farmers, investing in sustainable practices and vertically integrating cocoa production from farming to manufacturing. Through direct relationships with producers, profit-sharing agreements, and a commitment to ethical business practices, Inaru sought to empower cocoa farmers and cultivate a more equitable and sustainable cocoa industry. Inaru was a model for ethical and caring business practices where it shared the profits with its farmers. By operating a profit-sharing model and sharing its fortune with other women, Inaru was helping create gender equity in the cocoa sector. Inaru planned to scale its business model to other cocoa-producing countries and even transfer its business model strategy to other commodities beginning with the coffee segment in Dominican Republic. By exploring Inaru’s case study, students gain a deep understanding of how businesses can drive positive change, create value for stakeholders and contribute to sustainable development goals. Complexity academic level This case was written for use in teaching graduate and postgraduate management courses in entrepreneurship and economics, politics and business environment. Supplementary materials Teaching notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS 3: Entrepreneurship.

Assessing Good Post-Harvest Practices and Barriers among Cocoa Farmers and Licensed Buying Agents in Southwest, Nigeria

This study assesses the post-harvest practices and barriers among cocoa farmers and Licensed Buying Agents (LBAs) in Southwest Nigeria. The research utilizes primary data collected through structured questionnaires distributed to 200 cocoa farmers and 120 LBAs in the region, analyzed using descriptive statistics and Tobit regression analysis. Findings reveal that although there is a high level of awareness of good post-harvest practices among farmers, adoption is hindered by cultural beliefs, labour constraints, and inadequate financial incentives. LBAs face similar challenges, including limited access to information, inadequate infrastructure, and financial constraints. The analysis highlights that education, experience, and access to credit significantly influence the adoption of GPHP among farmers and LBAs, while older age and larger family sizes negatively impact farmers' adoption rates. The study concludes that targeted educational programs and training, improved infrastructure, financial support, strengthened extension services, market stability mechanisms, enhanced regulatory frameworks, and ongoing research and development are essential to improve post-harvest practices in the cocoa sector. These measures will not only enhance the quality and marketability of Nigerian cocoa beans but also contribute to the economic well-being of farmers and the broader community. By addressing the identified barriers and leveraging the influencing factors, the cocoa sector in Southwest Nigeria can achieve significant advancements in post-harvest handling, thereby supporting sustainable development and increasing economic returns.

Assessment of sustainability in cocoa farms in Ecuador: application of a multidimensional indicator-based framework

ABSTRACT Cocoa is one of Ecuador’s main export products. Over the last decades, cocoa production in the country has increased considerably, making it the largest producer of cocoa in Latin America. However, this increase has been accompanied by environmental degradation, endangering the sustainability of cocoa cultivation. This study utilizes an innovative indicator-based framework to evaluate the sustainability performance of fine flavour and CCN-51 cocoa farms in Ecuador, across economic, social, environmental, nutrition and health, and governance dimensions. Data were collected from 169 farms in Manabí Province and multiple statistical tests were employed to discern sustainability scores. The results highlighted significant differences in sustainability between the two cocoa production systems, influenced by factors such as ethnicity, age, and level of education. A 53% variation in sustainability scores between the fine flavour and CCN-51 cocoa farms was identified. The association of lower sustainability scores with limitations of physical and financial capital provides insights for enhancing sustainable cocoa farming in Ecuador.

Rainforest Alliance-UTZ cocoa certification scheme adoption: Determinants and financial implications for cocoa production in the Centre region of Cameroon

This study evaluates the level of adoption of the Rainforest Alliance-UTZ cocoa certification scheme in the Centre region of Cameroon, ascertains the drivers of adoption, and evaluates the financial implications of the levels of adoption. Using cross-sectional data obtained from 100 cocoa growers in the Central region of Cameroon and employing a Generalised Ordered Logit estimation technique alongside a one-way ANOVA test and Tukey’s test for post-hoc estimations, we show that 50%, 17%, and 33% of cocoa growers are complete adopters, partial adopters, and non-adopters of the Rainforest Alliance-UTZ cocoa certification scheme, respectively. The findings also reveal that the likelihood of having partial or complete adoption is higher among farmers who have introduced orange trees in their orchards, own more extensive orchards, and have more years of experience in cocoa farming. Furthermore, the likelihood of having complete adoption is higher for farmers with a lower planting density in their orchards and a tertiary level of schooling. Farmer’s age has a mitigated effect on the likelihood of adopting certification schemes by reducing the likelihood of having partial or complete adoption against non-adoption and at the same time raising the likelihood of complete adoption against no or partial adoption. The study also concludes that the financial performance of cocoa growers varies based on their level of adoption of the Rainforest Alliance-UTZ certification scheme. Farmers who have achieved certification status tend to have higher farm earnings. Based on these findings, non-adopters and partial adopters are encouraged to fully adhere to the Rainforest Alliance-UTZ certification standards. By doing so, they can increase their financial gains, enhance their livelihoods, and reduce the negative environmental impacts of cocoa farming.

Trade-offs and Synergies between Economic and Environmental Cocoa Farm Management Decisions.

Optimizing sustainability among smallholder farms poses challenges due to inherent trade-offs. In the study of organic and conventional cocoa smallholder farming in Ghana, 398 farms are assessed using the Food and Agriculture Organsation of the United Nations (FAO) Sustainability Assessment of Food and Agriculture systems(SAFA) Guidelines and Sustainability Monitoring and Assessment Routine (SMART)-Farm Tool. Organic farming exhibited synergies in environmental aspects (e.g., soil quality, energy efficiency) and between biodiversity conservation and risk management. Conventional farming showed potential vulnerabilities, including trade-offs with long-range investments (e.g., chemical inputs) and species diversity. Both systems demand tailored approaches for short-term economic and environmental sustainability, aligning with community-wide long-term goals. To mitigate trade-offs in conventional farming, smallholders should adopt practices like material reuse, recycling, and recovery within their operations.

Policy adoption barriers in organic cocoa production: a case study of Ghana and Ivory Coast

ABSTRACT In cash crop producing countries, policy changes towards organic agriculture are critical for sustainable agriculture. This study explores the perceptions and reasons behind the lack of deliberate policies promoting organic cocoa production in Ghana and Ivory Coast, despite its potential benefits. In this qualitative study, 16 policymakers and experts were interviewed, and these data were thematically analysed using planned behaviour theory as the theoretical framework. The study reveals that policymakers perceive organic cocoa production favourably. The slow pace of research, innovation and development (RDI) remains one major barrier to the adoption of organic cocoa policy in Ghana and Ivory Coast. This implicitly leads to organic cocoa production being perceived and promoted as a ‘niche’. The study findings indicate that in emerging economies that solely depend on raw material production output to generate revenue for development, governments may not push through policies that encourage cocoa farmers to convert from conventional to organic cocoa production due to economic considerations. This study recommends the abandonment of the notion of organic cocoa production as a niche to enable Ghana and Ivory Coast to adopt organic cocoa policy.

Cocoa Farmer's Use Of Approved Pesticides And Compliance With Safety Standards In Obuasi Municipality, Ghana

Amidst the agricultural landscape of Ghana lies a complex interplay of practices governing the use of approved pesticides and adherence to safety standards among farmers. By analysing data gleaned from 400 farmers through the multistage sampling technique, our aim is reveal the multifaceted influences that shape farmers' decisions in the use of approved pesticides and safety compliance. Age, education, marital status, farm ownership, experience, farm size, access to equipment and services, cooperative membership, secondary occupations, and income, significantly influence farmers' choices in the use of approved pesticides. Furthermore, compliance with safety protocols is found to be influenced by factors such as farm size, access to extension services, and the perceived relative advantage of pesticides. We advocate for policies that promote the use of approved pesticides and prioritise safety standards in agricultural practices. This may include strengthening regulatory frameworks, incentivising sustainable farming practices, and enforcing penalties for non-compliance with safety regulations.

Assessment Of Labour Concerns And Perceived Effects On Cocoa Farm Operations In Ghana

Despite the crucial role of human labour in Ghana's cocoa farming sector, the industry grapples with pressing challenges that threaten its sustainability and productivity. This study considers the intricate dynamics of labour scarcity and rising costs, focusing on the Tafo District, Ghana. We specifically collected data from 100 cocoa farmers who have been farming for over 20 years in the Tafo District using the purposive sampling method, and selected 10 cocoa labourers using a snowball technique. We conducted a descriptive analysis of the data using SPSS and Excel spreadsheet. Labour scarcity, attributed to ‘galamsey' and 'okada’ activities, was acknowledged by 95% of respondents, and 84% noted high labour costs. Farmers pointed out that labour shortages affect the timing and frequency of their farm operations. With labour scarcity attributed to illegal mining and commercial motorcycle transportation, effective government intervention to regulate these activities in agricultural areas will be required.

Utilizing Local Cocoa as Ready to Drink Beverage with Various Flavors and Supporting Cocoa Farmers Empowerment in Samarinda

Cokelat Harapan was established as a solution to increase cocoa consumption and empower cocoa farmers in Indonesia, particularly in Samarinda and Blitar. The enterprise focuses on developing ready-to-drink chocolate beverages in various flavors, utilizing local cocoa to support the local economy. Through collaborations with farmers and chocolate production companies, Cokelat Harapan aims to become a chocolate retail company with a focus on research and development. Its primary mission is to empower cocoa farmers by providing them with a share of the profit not only from cocoa purchases but also from the utilization of cocoa sold back to the market.

Pathogenicity of Lasiodiplodia theobromae isolated from cocoa dieback disease in South Sulawesi, Indonesia

AbstractDieback disease is one of the constraints to cocoa production in Indonesia. A newly identified dieback symptom has been observed in cocoa farms in East Luwu since 2015 and later observed in Luwu, Pinrang, Enrekang and Soppeng Regency, South Sulawesi. The potential causal agent identity was determined using morphological characteristics, DNA sequences, and phylogenetic analyses. A total of four fungal isolates out of seven isolates that were recovered from diseased stems morphologically resembled Lasiodiplodia species. ITS and EF1α sequencing confirmed that three of the Lasiodiplodia isolates were Lasiodiplodia theobromae, and one isolate was Lasiodiplodia pseudotheobromae. The aggresiveness of all fungal isolates and control was further determined by a leaf disk assay. Experiments showed that L. theobromae isolate CAS0321 was the most aggressive isolate in a leaf disk assay, while other Lasiodiplodia isolates, Fusarium isolates and Diaporthe isolate, were less aggressive. L. theobromae isolate CAS0321 was further used for a pathogenicity test on cocoa seedlings. Two months after inoculation, L. theobromae isolate CAS0321 caused elongated streaks on seedling stems with dark brown to black streaking of vascular tissues similar to that observed in natural infections. This is the first report of a virulent isolate of L. theobromae associated with cocoa dieback in Sulawesi.

Impact of common shade tree species on microclimate and cocoa growth in agroforestry systems in Ghana

Climate change is a growing threat to agriculture globally, with most substantial impacts expected in tropical smallholder systems such as cocoa farms in West Africa. Cocoa agroforestry is widely believed to enhance resilience to climatic extremes due to protection and a favourable microclimate under the shade trees. Morphological traits of many locally used shade tree species and their specific contribution to microclimate for climate-resilient cocoa production remain unclear. Therefore, aboveground morphology and sub canopy microclimate of eight common shade tree species were investigated in cocoa agroforestry systems in the Ahafo region, Ghana. Additionally, the growth of cocoa trees in three different distance zones to the shade tree stem was measured. The eight different shade tree species exhibited considerable variation in their impact on microclimate and cocoa growth. M. indica and M. excelsa allowed lowest light transmission, with the highest microclimatic buffering effect, i.e., reducing vapour pressure deficit and daily fluctuations of temperature and relative humidity. Cocoa trees around M. lucida and F. capensis were the highest in growth, characterized by height and stem diameter. However, a universally superior shade tree species could not be identified implying the need for shade tree diversity allowing various microclimatic conditions within an agroforestry system to spread risk of climate extremes. Cocoa tree growth was more affected by distance to the shade tree than by shade tree species, resulting in enhanced growth with distance to the stem. These findings provide a better understanding of species-related differences on cocoa growing conditions and climate change adaptation strategies.

Heat transfer simulation for re-design of tray dryer to reduce the energy consumption in the cocoa bean drying process

Abstract The tray dryer for the cocoa bean drying process is a solution to overcome conventional drying methods that rely on solar heat. The tray dryer is expected to facilitate the cocoa farmers to dry cocoa beans because it is faster and does not depend on weather conditions. However, even though the current condition of the tray dryer can reduce the energy consumption of drying cocoa beans (from Gunung Kidul, Yogyakarta, Indonesia) compared to the solar heat method, it remains unknown whether the cocoa beans drying quality is good enough. Therefore, this research analyzed the heat transfer phenomena of the cocoa drying process using the computational simulation method to re-design the current tray dryer design so that the new design can fit the drying characteristic of the cocoa bean and reduce energy consumption. As a result, for the air velocity of 25.91 m/s and the ½ opening of the gas valve in 10 minutes, which is already at steady-state conditions, the temperature distribution in the existing tray dryer is not suitable with the characteristics of the cocoa beans drying process. The temperature can be increased by reducing the airflow velocity or increasing the heating value by opening the valve. However, with a new design, the temperature can be increased by up to 37.00% at a velocity of 25.91 m/s with a ½ gas valve opening. Furthermore, the new design can achieve the same conditions as the existing design by only using an opening for a 1/8 gas valve. Thus, using the new design, the tray dryer can achieve the drying characteristics of cocoa beans and reduce energy consumption.

ASSESSMENT OF PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SOCIAL WELLBEING STATUS OF COCOA FARMING HOUSEHOLDS IN SOUTH-SOUTH ZONE, NIGERIA

This study assessed the psychological and social wellbeing status of cocoa farming households in Southsouth zone of Nigeria. A multi-staged sampling technique was used in selecting 240 Cocoa Farming Households (CFH) that were selected for this study. Data were collected from primary source using structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages and mean ratings were employed to analyze the data collected. Major findings revealed a grand mean of 2.85 indicating that social wellbeing status of the rural households is moderate with the mean of social integration ranking highest (x=3.14), followed by social contribution (x = 2.81), Social coherence (x = 2.78) and social acceptance (x = 2.77) that ranked 2nd and 3rd respectively. The grand mean of psychological wellbeing of rural households was 2.90, indicating a moderate psychological wellbeing status with the mean of variables under "Purpose i n life" having the highest mean of 3.18, this was followed by those under “Self-Acceptance” (x= 3.00) and "Personal growth" (x= 2.87) that came 2nd and 3rd respectively. The correlation result (r = 0.527) indicated a significant relationship existing between the cocoa farming households' psychological wellbeing and their social wellbeing status in South-South zone, Nigeria. The study concluded that both the psychological and social wellbeing status of the households are moderate, not high and therefore recommends that Extension agencies and Government need to reorientate cocoa farming households to keep them in the right frame of mind and attitude as they carry out their farming activities as well as give them financial assistance that will boost their level of production with increased income and in turn lift their social status and general wellbeing.

Pattern of Mean-Level in Personality Traits and Work Performance of Cocoa Farmers in Malaysia

Since 2006, the work performance of cocoa farmers has been essential in providing more than 95% of Malaysia's cocoa production. The poor output was observed due to the poor cocoa bean output of the producers. This article aims to determine the pattern of mean level in personality traits of cocoa farmers in Malaysia that influence work performance. This research used a quantitative research method. Seven independent variables and a dependent variable were identified. A total of 357 respondents were collected. Data were collected by descriptive analysis using IBM SPSS 29. It provided the mean level of farmers' personality traits. Results revealed that farmers' decision-making (M=4.51) and discipline (M=4.63) were perceived as having a high skill level while work performance, investment, networking, problem-solving, information seeking, and risk-taking were moderate, respectively This research helps to improve understanding of the current state level of personality traits toward the work performance of cocoa farmers in Malaysia. Hence, it is recommended that the MCB formulate a policy framework that focuses on creating training modules according to the level of personality traits of farmers. These modules should be designed to consider each farmer's traits at each level. Farmers with advanced expertise possess the capacity to serve as mentors to fellow farmers. The absence of low levels in personality traits proves an opportunity for improvement.

Drivers of cocoa yield and growth in young monoculture and agroforestry systems

CONTEXTThe expansion of cocoa farming has been linked to deforestation and biodiversity loss in West Africa. Agroforestry systems could potentially increase the sustainability of cocoa production. However, despite the long history of cocoa cultivation in agroforestry systems, the exact mechanism or the combination of factors that drive cocoa growth and yield in these agroecosystems, especially at the cocoa establishment stage, is unclear. OBJECTIVEThe present study aims to analyse how resource availability, stand characteristics and cocoa tree morphology interact to determine the performance of cocoa during the establishment phase among different cocoa cultivation systems. METHODSWe studied seven different agroforestry systems and one monoculture system in 53 plots located in a 12-ha cocoa agroforestry trial recently established in Côte d'Ivoire. We characterized each system with 16 variables that described five system components: 1) cocoa yield (number of pods, pods weight, number of productive trees) and cocoa growth (basal diameter), 2) cocoa tree morphology (crown depth, diameter, area, and volume), 3) stand characteristics (number and size of shade trees), 4) light (leaf area index) and 5) water (soil volumetric water content). We used a Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) approach to understand and quantify interactions between the five components. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSThe models were able to largely explain cocoa early yield and juvenile growth variability (respective determination coefficients: 0.45 and 0.92). We observed improved cocoa establishment in certain designs of agroforestry systems compared with monoculture. However, SEM revealed that stand characteristics (i.e. increase in the number and height of shade trees) had a negative effect on cocoa yield and growth via changes in cocoa tree morphology, having path coefficients of −0.48 and − 0.72, respectively. Conversely, we found a positive relationship between the cocoa tree morphology and cocoa early yield, for which the path coefficient was 0.74, the strongest relation. Cocoa tree morphology was more important than stand characteristics, leaf area index, and soil volumetric water content in controlling cocoa yield and growth. Taken together, our results suggest a competition for space between shade trees and cocoa plants. Finding the optimal design of agroforestry systems can help enhance cocoa establishment in the first years, improving the long-term performance of the system. SIGNIFICANCEThis finding suggests that the competition effect depends on spatial planting pattern and species composition, offering an opportunity to meet the goals of a sustainable intensification of cocoa plantations through the design and management of optimal agroforestry systems.

Fostering cocoa industry resilience: A collaborative approach to managing farm gate price fluctuations in West Sulawesi, Indonesia

Abstract Agricultural price fluctuations impact the economy and society, highlighting the importance of price stability for sustainable development, poverty alleviation, food security, and economic stability. This issue is particularly pronounced in the cocoa industry, where volatile prices and inefficient supply chains often harm the livelihoods of cocoa farmers. This study aimed to develop a mitigation plan to address cocoa price volatility at the farm level. The study was conducted in Tubbi Taramanu Sub-district, Polewali Mandar District, Indonesia. Through the innovative use of Interpretative Structural Modeling (ISM), the key elements are delineated in their hierarchical relationships and categorized into four quadrants: autonomous, independent, dependent, and linkage, to formulate a strategy for stabilizing cocoa prices at the farm level. This research’s findings underscored the importance of reducing farmers’ dependency on middlemen as the primary strategy for mitigating fluctuations in cocoa bean prices at the farm level. This approach is particularly vital due to the excessive reliance on middlemen, a key driver of price instability at the farm level. Furthermore, it is evident that promoting and nurturing cooperation between farmers and cocoa industry stakeholders can prove highly effective and significant when fortified by the local government’s support through the implementation of appropriate public policies.

Pelatihan dan Pendampingan Pemeliharaan, Intensifikasi, Rehabilitasi Tanaman Kakao Desa Rendenao Kecamatan Kotakomba Kabupaten Manggarai Timur

Cocoa is one of the dominant plantation crops in Rendenao Village, Kotakomba District. Rendenao Village, Kotakomba District, is one of the cocoa development areas in East Manggarai Regency. The planting area is quite satisfactory, but the yield and quality are still below the national average. The general aim of this activity is to build and develop farming communities through cocoa commodity businesses in order to produce quality and reliable human resources. Reliable human resources will be able to manage all existing natural resource potential to produce quality cocoa bean production, both in terms of production and productivity, so as to create added value and competitiveness according to market needs. Apart from that, in the long term it is hoped that this activity will be able to increase people's income and create jobs as well as being able to increase the competitiveness of the cocoa value chain by providing more business opportunities in the cocoa plantation subsector within it. East Manggarai Regency, especially Rendenao Village, Kotakomba District. The focus of implementing this service is increasing knowledge and skills capacity in managing cocoa gardens and plants, rejuvenating old plants, and improving the quality of harvests. During extension activities and field practices, cocoa farmers have been able to carry out cocoa maintenance practices, plant rejuvenation and post-harvest fruit processing practices. At least farmer groups will create demonstration plots to implement care, rejuvenation and post-harvest care which will then be compared with the results achieved conventionally. Apart from that, cocoa farmers are also trained in managing farmer groups. Where the harvest will be concentrated to be given fermentation and drying treatment simultaneously. Marketing will be done collectively, not individually. Collective sales will save transportation costs, so the sales value received will be higher.

Farmer Behavior in Cocoa Farming Activities in Gitak Demung Village, Gangga District, North Lombok Regency

The aims of this study is to investigate farmers' behavior in cocoa farming activities in dryland farming in Gitak Demung Subvillage, Village of Gangga, Sub-district of North Lombok District. The research was conducted using surveys and in-depth interviews (FGD) to collect data on the cultivation practices carried out by cocoa farmers and the factors that influence their behavior (How Many Samples were taken). The survey results showed that farmers in Gitak Demung Village have a very good level of behavior, with the majority of farmers implementing good cultivation practices and in accordance with recommendations. In-depth interviews revealed that farmers' knowledge and awareness of good cultivation practices are the main factors influencing their behavior. In addition, adequate access to resources and technology also plays an important role in shaping good farmer behavior. The findings suggest that the extension and education efforts that have been undertaken by the government, agricultural institutions, and related organizations have had a positive impact in improving farmers' behavior. In conclusion, this study concludes that farmers in cocoa farming activities in Gitak Demung sub-village a very good level of behavior, and improvements in farmers' knowledge and access to agricultural resources and technology need to be considered to maintain and improve this good behavior to achieve sustainable agricultural production of cacao