AN ASSESSMENT OF PESTS AND DISEASE MANAGEMENT ON COCOA PRODUCTION: CASE STUDY OF EKONDO-TITI, NDIAN DIVISION CAMEROON

By ASSONWA FOUOMENE ESTELLE| Department of Development Studies | Environment and Agricalture

ABSTRACT

Pests and disease management are one of the major problems farmers in Cameroon face due to the impacts of pests and disease infestation which leads to a drop in Cameroon’s cocoa production. This study assessed pests and disease management in the Ekondo Titi municipality. A multi-staged sampling technique was used to carry out this research. It was found out that, various types of pests and diseases attack cocoa production, and these pests and disease infestation have many effects on the farmer, on the health of the crop, impacts on the quantity and quality of the beans. They also cause some impacts on trade. It is also seen that farmers use various management practices to reduce these pests and disease infestation like the application of chemicals, cultural practices like the application of wood ash and clearing.

It is recommended that,

• More farmers schools should be created in communities so that farmers will be well educated about these cocoa pests and diseases and how to remedy their attacks on the crops.
• Moreover, the government should provide more incentives of bonuses to the farmers like chemicals. That will help reduce the impact of pest and disease infestation on cocoa production.
• Measures to fight against pest and disease and ensure high-quality cocoa beans should also be taken into consideration by the government.
• Also, improved management practices should be introduced in Cameroon especially chemicals to fight against these pests and disease. Download