Diseases of Cocoa Induced by the Climatic Elements of Rainfall and Temperature in Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria

This paper examined diseases of cocoa induced by the climatic elements of rainfall and temperature in Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria. The paper identified the varieties of cocoa cultivated in the study area, the diseases of cocoa induced by the climatic elements of rainfall and temperature in the study area, the level of awareness of cocoa farmers on the impact of the climatic elements (rainfall and temperature) on cocoa production in the study area and the problems induced by the climatic elements of rainfall and temperature on cocoa production in the study area. To achieve these objectives, the researcher used both primary and secondary research methods to collect the data used for the study. Four thousand and eleven cocoa farmers were found in the study area. Ten percent (10%) of the cocoa farmers’ population (400 respondents) was used as the sample size. Therefore, four hundred questionnaires were administered to both cocoa farmers, marketers and the staff of Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) Uhonmora,Edo State, Nigeria which were used for the investigation of the diseases of cocoa induced by the climatic elements of rainfall and temperature in the study area.. The secondary data used were obtained from National Population Commission (NPC), Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources (MANR).The data obtained were analysed using tables, graphs, percentages and degrees. The results reveal that Amelonado, F3 Amazon and Trinidad(o) are the varieties of cocoa cultivated in Ekpoma. The study also reveals the diseases of cocoa induced by the climatic elements of rainfall and temperature in the study area as well as the problems posed by rainfall and temperature on cocoa production such as excessive rainfall prolong dry season and inadequate rainfall. These reduce cocoa production and consequently, the yield in the study area. Arising from the above findings The following recommendations are made which include: the employment of extension workers to train cocoa farmers, revitalization of the dilapidating weather stations and the establishment of new ones, reduction in the prices of cocoa production inputs such as herbicides and insecticides and granting soft loans to cocoa farmers. This paper is therefore concluded by advising the governments at all levels to effect the recommendations made by the researcher. Keywords: Climatic, elements, rainfall, temperature, diseases and production. DOI : 10.7176/JEES/14-6-01 Publication date : December 30th 2024