Assessing the effects of climate change and variability on cocoa production in the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai municipality

Climate change is rapidly increasing the vulnerability of agricultural systems, particularly food production. One crop that is susceptible to climate change is cocoa (Theobroma cacao). Though there are extensive studies on the effect of climate change and variability on cocoa production in Ghana, little empirical research has been carried out in Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai municipality. Therefore, the study sought to assess the effects of climate change and variability on cocoa production in the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai municipality. The study used multi-stage sampling techniques to purposely select 120 cocoa farmers in six (6) communities in the municipality for primary data collection. In addition, ten (10) key personnel from the Ghana Cocoa Board were interviewed to give experts insight into the study. Also, secondary data was sourced from Ghana Statistical Service, Ghana Meteorological Agency, and academic journals, which comprised data on climate trends and cocoa production. The study found that 68.3% of cocoa farmers said their cocoa yield was reduced compared to the previous years. They claimed that increased temperature and low rainfall have led to high mortality of young seedlings and mature trees, causing reduced fruit-bearing and low yield. However, data from the Ghana Meteorological Agency showed that rainfall in the study area has increased. Also, the study found that most of the farmers have adopted the use of fertilizer and pesticides, removal of mistletoes, and pruning as a measure to offset the shocks of climate change. These practices may not be effective in reducing the vulnerability to climate change in cocoa yield. However, a few farmers in the municipality have adopted new measures such as improved varieties and artificial pollination. In addition, 65.0% of cocoa farmers said they were unaware of any policy undertaken by the government to address the menace of climate change on cocoa production. On the other hand, the Ghana Cocoa Board personnel stated that the government has implemented a policy called Production Enhancement Programme (PEP's) that includes pruning, artificial pollination, and Cocoa Disease and Pest Control Programme (CODAPEC), among others which are geared towards addressing climate change effects on cocoa production. Only 24.2% of the farmers in the study area are aware of this programme. The study concludes that policies are required to address the challenges faced by climate change and variability to increase the productivity of cocoa farmers