COOPERATIVE MEMBERSHIP STATUS AND ADOPTION OF GOOD AGRONOMIC PRACTICES: EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM COCOA FARMERS IN ATWIMA MPONUA DISTRICT, GHANA

Cooperative Membership Status

Abstract

The study examined cooperative membership status and adoption of good agronomic practices (GAPs) among cocoa farmers in the Atwima Mponua District of Ashanti Region, Ghana. Data was collected from 400 cocoa farmers selected using the multistage sampling technique. Statistical analytical tools such as mean, standard deviation, frequency, percentage, ordered logit regression model, independent samples t-test and chi-square test of independence were used. The study showed a high level of awareness, knowledge, and skills on GAPs among the farmers. Membership status (active and non-active) was found to have a statistically significant association with adoption of GAPs. Gender, household size, age of farmer and access to extension services were the other factors that influenced adoption of GAPs. There was a statistically significant difference in yields and income of active and non-active members. The study recommends that the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) should develop a policy that could enable it to continue to work with only cooperatives. Also, existing cooperatives should be empowered to encourage active participation by all members to ensure that more GAPs are continually adopted. This can also result in higher yields and income.