Controlling black pod and attack of mirid on cocoa using chemical pesticides by farmers in the Southwest province of Cameroon

Abstract

Cocoa (Theobroma cocoa), is cultivated mostly by small-scale farmers and is grown in the humid forest zones of Southern, Central and Southwestern provinces in Cameroon. It stands as the main cash crop to more than 75 % of the population of Cameroon. It production is based on how farmers use chemical pesticides to control black pod and attack of mirid noted to be the major disease and pest respectively of the cocoa crop. In this study, data collection from variables like field monitoring, farmer’s constraints, pesticide used and equipments working condition have been analyzed to see the effects it has on controlling black pod and attack of mirid on cocoa. Also, the health and environmental dangers resulting from using chemical pesticides have also been evaluated. Results from the empirical data from the field research conducted show that farmers spray chemical pesticide on their fields irrationally thereby letting insect pests to develop resistance to some chemical pesticides. This has been attributed to the fluctuating weather and climatic condition of the Southwest province. Deplorable road conditions during the rainy season were the spraying activity become intense has been recorded high. This has significantly affected the control of black pod and mirid attack negatively as farmers find it difficult to purchase chemical pesticides at cheaper cost in city markets. Dosage of chemical pesticide and the method of mixing during spraying were understood to be an individual affair and most of the farmers were caught applying under-dose due to high pesticide cost. Over 95% of the farmers complain of pesticide costs being too high making some pesticides unaffordable. This has been attributed to the open-market systems farmers find themselves today following liberalization of the cocoa sector in the country during the late 1980s. Much is still expected from the government, like establishing institutions were researchers, extension officers and licensed buying agents (LBAs) can collaboratively work with farmers so that farmers can get the necessary assistance required to improve cocoa production. Provision of loan for infrastructure development for farm to market roads, capital loan for purchase of pesticides and spraying equipments are some of the opportunities farmers will very much benefit from the government to keep the cocoa sector in the country alive.