Effectiveness of the eradication campaign of cocoa swollen shoot virus disease in Ghana: the extension and implementation problem

Abstract

The cocoa swollen shoot virus disease persists in Ghana in spite of the implementation of an eradication campaign against the disease by the government since 1948. Two major factors are identified as limiting the success of the eradication campaign. First, the extension problem, namely, the low level of growers' knowledge (know-why) concerning the disease, including knowledge of the causal agent (3.8%), the vectors (2.3%), and the recommended preventive measures (8% to 67%). Second, the implementation problem, namely, the failure of growers and government-employed labourers to follow the recommended policy of cutting-out and replanting cocoa farms. Thus, about half (51%) of the affected farms were not correctly treated, despite the specialized labour provided and paid for by the government to implement treatment. In addition, about 73% of the growers who treated their affected farms without government support did so incorrectly. Other factors include the direct treatment cost (US $513.00 ha −1 ) to be borne by growers, as well as land tenure arrangements, and the waiting time of at least three years before the first harvest after replanting. A more researcher-grower collaborative approach in managing the disease could enhance growers' knowledge and the adoption of recommended practices to limit the spread of the disease. In addition, policy decisions on a nationwide disease management strategy that require growers' collective efforts should consider growers' socio-economic conditions like land tenure arrangements and disease treatment cost (direct and indirect) incurred by growers.

Harnessing Soil Diversity: Innovative Strategies for Potato Blight Management in Central-Eastern Poland

“…Varieties that are resistant to temperature fluctuations, drought and other stressors are being developed to ensure consistent yields under a variety of conditions [9,43]. Integrated pest management (IPM) and sustainable agricultural practices are also being more broadly integrated to increase crop yields while maintaining environmental health [13,16,36,37].…”

“…Developing comprehensive disease management strategies, including research on resistant varieties and international cooperation, is crucial for protecting farmers and ensuring food security [8][9][10][11][12]. This work delves into the complex nature of P. infestans, reviews the effectiveness of current integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, and analyzes the potential of innovative, sustainable approaches for controlling this disease within both ecological and inte-grated potato cultivation systems [13].…”

Partial efficacy of early and temporary roguing to manage woodiness disease in pilot crops of passion fruit

“…However, one of the oldest examples of deployment of roguing in a perennial orchard crop has been unsuccessful, despite a government eradication campaign in effect since 1948: the cocoa swollen shoot disease caused by cocoa swollen shoot virus (CSSV) in Ghana. Two significant factors were identified as limiting the success of the eradication campaign: the low knowledge level of growers concerning the causal agent, vectors and preventive measures of the disease; and the failure of growers and government‐employed labourers to follow the recommended policy of cutting infected trees and replanting cocoa farms (Amon‐Armah et al, 2021).…”