Comparative Assessment of Extension Delivery in the Volta Cocoa Region of Ghana

International Journal of Agriculture & Environmental Science

© 2025 by SSRG - IJAES Journal

Volume 12 Issue 6

Year of Publication : 2025

Authors : Bernard Archibald Senyo Agyeman, Selorm Akaba

10.14445/23942568/IJAES-V12I6P103

How to Cite?

Bernard Archibald Senyo Agyeman, Selorm Akaba, "Comparative Assessment of Extension Delivery in the Volta Cocoa Region of Ghana," SSRG International Journal of Agriculture & Environmental Science, vol. 12,  no. 6, pp. 17-25, 2025. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23942568/IJAES-V12I6P103

Abstract:

Effective extension delivery is critical for increasing cocoa farmer’ competencies to improve their innovation adoption levels. This study comparatively assessed extension delivery in the Volta Cocoa Region of Ghana following a mixed-method approach. A total of 420 sampled cocoa farmers from the Hohoe, Jasikan, and Papase Cocoa Health and Extension Division (CHED) districts were surveyed, whereas participants for in-depth interviews and Focus Group
Discussions were purposively selected. The results indicate the prevalence of pluralistic extension delivery in the region. CHED, complemented mainly by Cocoa Abrabopa Association and Solidaridad-MASO private actors, was found to be
responsible for extension delivery in the region. These organisations have similar and differentiated objectives, structure and key staff; coverage and target farmers; shared innovations and support services; and extension methods and materials used. Radio, calendar, poster, books, etc., were deemed effective, while demonstrations, field days, phone calls, drama, and farmer rallies were found to be somewhat frequently used in the delivery of extension. The number and coverage of participating private extension providers were found to be low. It is recommended that CHED partner with existing and other private extension actors to widen the scope and benefits from their programmes to a majority of cocoa farmers in the region.

Keywords:

Cocoa Farmers, Innovation Dissemination, Pluralistic Extension, Comparative, Volta Cocoa Region.

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