Assessing the effectiveness of a local agricultural research committee in diffusing sustainable cocoa production practices: the case of capsid control in Ghana

The conventional method of `delivering¿ technologies recommended by researchers to farmers through extension has proved ineffective, resulting in a persistent low (3.5% over ten years) adoption of research-based cocoa technologies. The present study was conducted in the Eastern Region of Ghana and assessed the impact of the Local Agricultural Research Committee (LARC) approach on the diffusion of capsid management knowledge and practices, developed with the LARC, to others in the community. Capsids (Sahlbergella singularis and Distantiella theobroma) were diagnosed as the most serious production constraint. LARC members engaged in intensive interactive learning and experimentation to control them. The interactive approach developed by the International Centre for Tropical Agriculture was used to link the LARC with community farmers, a majority of whom aspired to produce organic cocoa for a premium. The LARC acquired vital agro-ecological knowledge on capsid management, including skills in scouting for capsids to determine their temporal distribution and systematic experimentation with control methods, before presenting its results to the community. This article reports on a survey comparing three categories of farmers: LARC members, exposed and non-exposed community farmers, so as to assess the diffusion and impact of LARC knowledge co-production. The results show that the LARC approach significantly influenced acquisition and diffusion of knowledge and practices

Zur Einheitlichen Struktur Einer Sprache

Der Artikel ist der Frage der einheitlichen Struktur in einer Sprache gewidmet. Dabei berufen die Ideen auf den grundlegenden Werken von Humboldt, F. de Saussure und anderen Theoretikern der Sprachwissenschaft. Fast in jedem Land gibt es einige Varianten von den gesprochenen Sprachen, auch in der Ukraine, was für die Existenz dieser Regiolekte und Dialekte spricht. When you are citing the document, use the following link http://essuir.sumdu.edu.ua/handle/123456789/411

Capsid control for organic cocoa in Ghana : results of participatory learning and action research

Cocoa is an important foreign exchange earner for Ghana. However, compared to Ivory Coast and Malaysia, two other major producing countries, yields are extremely low. The causes of low yields are many. They inc!ude low producer price offered until recently by the government costs of labour, poor tree husbandry practices, and pest and diseases. The recent increase in producer price has rekindled farmers' interest in measures that can help them address low yields especially in pest and disease control. Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana has developed and disseminated a number of recommendations, but less than five percent of cocoa farmers have adopted those, It is believed that one of the major problems is the application of conventional research models through linear processes of technology transfer. With the view to improve research uptake and use, we adopted technographic and diagnostic studies followed by participatory technology development. Hence, we tried an interactive participatory approach focusing on alternative technology generation, development and delivery to other cocoa farmers. Capsids (Sahlbergella singularis and Distantiella theobroma (Heteroptera: Miridae) emerged as the most serious biological production constraints. Therefore, in this study we addressed the problem of capsids in cocoa. We did this within Brong-Densuso area, in the Eastern region of Ghana. With 'free' pesticides spraying by government, organic marketing arrangements between an American company and the cocoa farmers' association collapsed. Thus, we had to explore alternatives in order to sustain farmers' motivation to use the non-chemical pest management technologies. Therefore, the overall objective was to facilitate and develop, together with farmers, Integrated Pest Management methods to control capsids in an organic production system of cocoa. This objective was pursued by grounding the research in the needs and opportunities of farmers through a diagnostic process and by systematic blending of indigenous and formal knowledge. The focus was not only on technical improvements, but also on finding new social and institutional arrangements, such as more effective approach for information sharing and an alternative supply marketing chain for organic farmers

Assessing the effectiveness of a local agricultural research committee in diffusing sustainable cocoa production practices: the case of capsid control in Ghana

The conventional method of `delivering¿ technologies recommended by researchers to farmers through extension has proved ineffective, resulting in a persistent low (3.5% over ten years) adoption of research-based cocoa technologies. The present study was conducted in the Eastern Region of Ghana and assessed the impact of the Local Agricultural Research Committee (LARC) approach on the diffusion of capsid management knowledge and practices, developed with the LARC, to others in the community. Capsids (Sahlbergella singularis and Distantiella theobroma) were diagnosed as the most serious production constraint. LARC members engaged in intensive interactive learning and experimentation to control them. The interactive approach developed by the International Centre for Tropical Agriculture was used to link the LARC with community farmers, a majority of whom aspired to produce organic cocoa for a premium. The LARC acquired vital agro-ecological knowledge on capsid management, including skills in scouting for capsids to determine their temporal distribution and systematic experimentation with control methods, before presenting its results to the community. This article reports on a survey comparing three categories of farmers: LARC members, exposed and non-exposed community farmers, so as to assess the diffusion and impact of LARC knowledge co-production. The results show that the LARC approach significantly influenced acquisition and diffusion of knowledge and practices

Facilitating the use of alternative capsid control methods towards sustainable production of organic cocoa in Ghana

Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) is an important foreign exchange earner for Ghana. However, production is constrained by a high incidence of pests and diseases. Based on farmers' needs, this study focused on the control of capsids, mainly Sahlbergella singularis Haglund and Distantiella theobroma (Distant) (both Hemiptera: Miridae). Annual crop loss caused by capsids is estimated at 25¿30%. To control capsids, formal research recommends application of synthetic insecticides four times between August and December. However, farmers hardly adopt this recommendation, which they consider unsuitable for their conditions and context. Three alternative control methods were tested with farmers: mass trapping, using sex pheromones; applying crude aqueous neem Azadirachta indica A. Juss. (Meliaceae) seed extract (ANSE) and using the predatory ant Oecophylla longinoda Latreille (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) as a biological control agent. Contrary to most previous reports, studies on temporal distribution of cocoa capsids indicated that the population peaked in March. ANSE was effective against capsids and other cocoa insect pests and did not affect the predatory ant. When O. longinoda occurred in high numbers, capsid incidence was low. Shade did not influence ant or capsid abundance significantly. ANSE caused 100% mortality of capsids in cage and 79¿88% in field experiments. The sex pheromone was as effective as ANSE or ants in suppressing capsids. All the three methods were effective and compatible; hence, they can be used in an integrated pest management strategy for cocoa, including organic production in Ghana

Challenges of Integrated Pest Management in Sub-Saharan Africa

a response to the negative side effects of chemical control in the developed world, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) developed with an emphasis on reducing the role of pesticides. Later the role of natural enemies was recognized as being the cornerstone for sustainable pest management strategies. The IPM concept initially stressed the combination of control tactics while afterwards the empowerment of farmers in managing their own agro-ecosystems became the focus. Reasons are given why integrated pest management has been instrumental in making the Farmer Field School (FFS) prominent in sectors such as nutrient management, animal husbandry and health. FAO started with an IPM project in subsistence crops in Africa, but because of its low impact on farmers’ livelihoods changed to crops with a higher consumption of pesticides such as cotton and rice. Some pests like locusts require the attention of the central government. The multiple dimensions of desert locust problems are highlighted, and the realization that its solution is more operational than technical. Invasive pests are a continuous threat, and classical biological attempts have been highly successful. Some examples of technical IPM components such as varietal resistance, the judicious use of chemicals, agronomic practices, and biological control are given. However, it appeared that the adoption rate by farmers of proposed technologies is low. It is argued that farmers face very small windows of opportunities. Therefore, institutional development needs as much attention as technological improvement. A number of examples are given to illustrate this poin