Assessing The Contribution Of Certified Cocoa Producer Organisations To Climate Change Adaptation In The Ahafo Region Of Ghana

Abstract

Climate change adaptation in Ghana has been of concern over the years. This study examined how cocoa producer organisations contribute to climate change adaptation in a Asunafo North Municipality, Ghana by analyzing 405 responses gathered using questionnaires. The study identified the standard strategies within the certification scheme that promote climate change adaptation, assessed the effectiveness of the strategies for climate change adaptation, determined the correlation between these strategies and the adaptation of climate change and determined the challenges to climate change adaptation by farmers. The study revealed that farmers enjoy trainings and farm development from certified cocoa producer organisations to climate change adaptation (x ̅ = 3.84, SD = 0.44). The cocoa producer organisation and members’ standards had a positive statistical relationship with farmers’ adaptations to climate change (r = 0.67, p < 0.001), significantly predicting climate change adaptation (β = .728, p < .001). In all, the study found that cocoa producer organisation certification accounted for 54% variance in explaining climate change adaptation measures (F = 73.53, p < .001). The study revealed expensive farm inputs, fertilizer/input politicization, cost of hiring mechanized spraying machines, Illegal logging activities, Pest and diseases control and lack of irrigation systems as challenges faced by farmers. The study recommends that the non-certified farmers get certified to enhance productivity as well as effectiveness.