More sustainable cocoa farming is now possible thanks to research co-developed by University of Reading crop and soil scientists working with Ghanaian partners. Through participation and training events, farmers and entrepreneurs have adopted organic soil amendments resulting in improved soil health, greater cocoa yields and private sector interest.

Ghana is the world’s second-largest cocoa producer with an estimated 800,000 smallholder farmers growing cocoa. However soil degradation from continuous cropping is leading to a decline in cocoa yields and forest loss as farmers abandon their farms and move to new areas.

Working in partnership with the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG), and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Dr Andrew Daymond and Professor Tom Sizmur have been working to promote sustainable soil management using low-cost compost and biochar from farm wastes like cocoa pod husks, tree prunings and chicken manure.

Experimental trials were conducted in the laboratory, greenhouse and across 15 farms to assess the impact of soil amendments on cocoa yields, with farmers participating as early adopters and providing testimonials. Innovative approaches included using digital data capture techniques and combining soil science with social science insights from farmer interviews.

This multidisciplinary approach ensured compost formulations were relevant to local conditions. A steering group of stakeholders across the cocoa value chain, including government, international cocoa buyers, a farmer cooperative and a soil amendment supplier, guides the project’s direction.

The project benefited farmers by increasing cocoa yields and co-creating knowledge on producing and applying organic soil amendments. The project’s success generated interest and additional funding from the private sector for extended field trials and dissemination activities.

Field-based training events, including practical demonstrations and testimonials from early adopters along with a compost production guide and video, have enhanced the project’s impact. The project also boosted demand for compost produced by the local enterprise supplying the project, EMFED Farms. Ongoing engagement with the confectionery industry aims to promote broader uptake of organic soil amendments globally.

“The demands of the farmers for composts actually sustains my business, especially during the off season.”

Kwabena Mends, founder and CEO, EMFED Farms

Judges’ comment

“An impressive project, with a clear purpose and wide stakeholder engagement, that has the potential for very large longer term impact.”

Partners

  • Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana
  • Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST)
  • EMFED Farms

 Funders

  • UKRI Global Challenges Research Fund
  • Biology and Biotechnology Research Council
  • Innovate UK AgriFood Africa Innovation Awards
  • Natural Environment Research Council
  • University of Reading Knowledge Exchange Fund
  • Touton S.A.

Team: Andrew Daymond (Crop Science) and Tom Sizmur (Geography & Environmental Science)

Project name: Sustainable soil solutions: Revitalising Ghana’s cocoa farming