Building The Next Generation Of Cocoa Researchers In Ghana
19 December 2025, Ghana: Through the African Plant Nutrition Research Fund-Cocoa project, APNI supports young Ghanaian scientists to produce applied, field-based research that responds directly to farmers’ realities. As part of this effort, four MSc students were supported to carry out research on shade management, soil fertility, and nutrient use efficiency in cocoa agroforestry systems in Ghana. Their work contributes practical evidence to improve cocoa productivity, reduce input waste, and strengthen the long-term sustainability of cocoa landscapes.
In December 2025, these four students have successfully graduated from their Program of Geo-Information Science for Natural Resources Management at the Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Kumasi, Ghana under the Academic Supervision of Dr. George Ashiagbor.
Below are their research topics:
Isaac Stanisluv Essah – Modelling the number of shade tree species needed to reach the optimal canopy target in cocoa agroforestry systems
Rather than relying on a fixed recommendation for the number of shade trees per hectare, this research shows that different tree species contribute very differently to canopy cover. By measuring canopy characteristics of common shade trees on cocoa farms, the study developed a model that estimates how many trees of each species are needed to reach optimal shade levels, while also accounting for farmer preferences. This approach supports more precise, species-specific shade management, helping farmers optimise agroforestry systems without compromising cocoa productivity.
Gideon Enyinful-Andoh – Classifying soils in cocoa landscapes into fertility archetypes for targeted nutrient management
This study addressed the challenge of highly variable soil fertility across cocoa-growing areas in Ghana. Through soil sampling and spatial analysis, cocoa soils were grouped into fertility archetypes based on key indicators such as pH, organic carbon, and nutrient availability. The results show that while most soils are generally suitable for cocoa, they often suffer from specific nutrient imbalances that limit yields. These findings highlight the importance of site-specific nutrient management, rather than blanket fertiliser recommendations that increase costs for farmers without delivering proportional benefits.
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