Assessment Of Primary Cocoa Beans Processing Methods In Owan West Local Government Area Of Edo State, Nigeria

ABSTRACT

This study assessed the primary cocoa beans processing methods in Owan West Local

Government Area (OWLGA) of Edo State, Nigeria, Systematic random sampling was

used in selecting 125 fanners in three main cocoa producing communities 'of OWLGA.

Data were collected with structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive

statistics and Pearson correlation. Age range for majority (56%) of the respondents

was 55-68 and 69-82 years. Many (59.2%) cultivated small farms « 2ha) and 48%

had no formal education. All (100%) of sampled farmers identified heap and SIII1-

drying processing methods while they were not aware of the sweat-box, tray and

artificial drying methods. A high proportion (98.4%) processed cocoa beans in heaps

and all (100%) used sun-drying method. Farm size (0.233) and identified processing

methods (0..J72) were significantly related to utilization of cocoa processing methods

(p< 0.0 J). With adequate Government intervention, the common method (heap) used by

farmers should be improved upon while tray method is popularized.

Key words: cocoa fermentation, Cocoa farmers, Identification, Utilization.

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