Lack of awareness prevents the use of compost and biochar as soil amendments by Ghanaian cocoa farmers

Organic amendments can be used to reduce the environmental impact of cocoa farming, increase sustainability, and protect livelihoods. This study aimed to explore Ghanaian cocoa farmers' awareness and usage of compost and biochar on their farms and to make recommendations to increase adoption. A survey was conducted with 150 cocoa farmers across the cocoa-growing regions of Ghana, followed by focus groups. Farmers attributed low cocoa yields to declining soil fertility and the high cost of farm inputs, particularly chemical fertilisers. None of the farmers surveyed used compost or biochar on their cocoa farms. However, farmers were willing to learn how to prepare compost and biochar or to buy these amendments. The findings suggest that the reason for the lack of adoption is due to a lack of awareness. Therefore, embedding training on the preparation and use of compost and biochar into equitable and inclusive programmes led by the Ghanaian Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), licenced buying companies (LBCs), certification schemes (e.g. Rainforest Alliance, Fairtrade, Organic), and farmer associations (cooperatives) is key to increase adoption and elevate sustainability and livelihoods. These organisations should also collectively support and subsidise the production and application of organic amendments by enterprises as a service provided to farmers.