COMMITMENT OF COCOA FARMERS IN THE OBUASI MUNICIPALITY TO THE COCOA INDUSTRY

ABSTRACT The study examines the extent of commitment of cocoa farmers in the Obuasi Municipality. The data for the study were obtained from cocoa farmers in the Obuasi municipality through a survey in the month of December, 2009. The methodology covers the study area, study design, population, the sample and sampling procedures, sources of data collection, research instruments, pilot testing, field work, challenges to be encountered, and data analysis procedure. The study revealed that cocoa farmers with the highest educational attainment were more committed to their work than their counterpart with low educational attainment. Similarly, cocoa farmers with more working experience as cocoa farmers tend to be more committed to their work. Financial constraints, pests and diseases, insufficient equipment, and bad weather were considered to be the most challenging problems facing farmers. Elements such as prompt payment, payment of bonuses, mass spraying, provision of jute sack, and fertilizers were considered as the major factors that motivate farmers to remain in the cocoa sector. The following recommendations were made by the researcher; COCOBOB should make it a point to ensure that there is a prompt payment of all the bonuses due the cocoa farmers. Also supply of fertilizers and jute sacks by COCOBOD to the farmers would go a long way to boost their morale and commitment level. The government should be proactive in ensuring that these basic needs (portable drinking water, good access roads, health facilities, schools and teachers posted to these communities.) of the cocoa farmers are timely met.