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In this lesson we are going to discuss about Cocoa farming in Ghana

Answer Text:
Cocoa Growing In Ghana
- Cocoa originated from lowlands of C. America.
- Is grown in W. African countries such as Ghana, Nigeria, Cote d’ivoire and Cameroon.
- They account for nearly 3/4 of the world’s cocoa production.
- Ghana is the second leading producer after Cote d’ivoire.

Main Growing Areas
- Cocoa triangle formed by Accra, Kumasi and Takoradi.

Conditions Favouring Cocoa Growing in Ghana
Physical Factors
a) High temperatures of over 26◦c throughout the year.
b) High and well distributed rainfall (1300-1500mm annually).
c) Low altitude areas below 700m above sea level.
d) Slightly drier period during harvesting.
e) High relative humidity of over 75%.
f) Fertile well drained soils rich in iron and potassium.
g) Protection from sunshine which causes high rate of evaporation and winds which cause pods to fall off by interplanting with shady trees such
as bananas, oil palms and kola trees.

Human Factors
a) Abundant labour for cultivation, harvesting and processing.
b) Availability of market.

Cultivation of Cocoa
- A piece of land in the forest is cleared of all trees leaving a few to provide shade for the crop.
- The vegetation is then cleared and set on fire for ashes to enrich the soil.
- The seeds are planted in nurseries where there is light shade.
- After 4-5 months the seedlings are transplanted during short rains. Cuttings can also be grown.
- Crops such as cassava, yams and bananas are inter-planted with young plants to provide shade for the crop.
- Manuring and weeding are done regularly while tending the crops.
- Fruiting begins after 5 years with abundant production being reached being attained after 10 years.
- Pruning is constantly done to rid the plant of any branches that may grow to allow good quality pods to form on the branches.

Harvesting and Processing of Cocoa
- The ripe pods are cut off from stems and branches using a long knife.
- The pods are split open using machete to expose the beans.
- The beans are covered with banana leaves and allowed to ferment for 5-6 days for juicy pulp to drain away.
- Fermented beans are washed.
- The beans are dried until they turn brown.
- Dry beans are put in sacks.

Marketing of Cocoa
- Farmers take dried beans to the collecting centres.
- Licensed agents buy the produce e.g. Ghana Cooperative Marketing Association and Cocoa Merchants Limited.
- The beans are weighed and cash paid to farmers.
- They are then transported to the ports of Tema and Takoradi.
- The Cocoa Marketing Board then exports the beans to countries such as U.S.A, Germany and Britain.

Uses of Cocoa
- Consumed as a beverage.
- Used to make cocoa butter, chocolates and drugs.

Significance of Cocoa to Ghana’s Economy
1. Earns Ghana a most foreign exchange (60%).
2. The foreign exchange from cocoa is used to improve infrastructure and social amenities.
3. A source of employment for over 20% of working population.
4. Provides a steady income for farmers which has improved their standard of living.

Problems Facing Cocoa Farming in Ghana
1. Pests e.g. capsid bug which sucks the pulp in pods and causes the tree to die.
2. Diseases e.g. black pod which affects the pods.
3. Fluctuations of cocoa prices in the world market causing the farmer and the country to receive low income.
4. Shortage of labour during harvesting season which causes delay in harvesting and high expenses when hiring labour from neighboring countries.