Assessing the Economic Burden of Black Pod Disease and Cherelle Wilt on Cocoa Farmers in Nigeria

Cocoa is a highly valuable global crop, but about 20-25% of its yield is lost to pests and diseases. This study evaluated the economic impact of premature pod loss on cocoa production in Ibadan, Nigeria, using a demonstration plot at the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria. Data was collected from August to October 2022, focusing on healthy pods, black pods, cherelles, and cherelle wilt. The analysis, conducted with descriptive statistics and cost analysis using STATA 12, revealed that 2595 pods were healthy, and 562 pods were infected within a 481.17m² area. The total cost for uninfected pods per hectare was ₦3,625,600, while the cost for infected pods was ₦785,600. Black pod disease caused the loss of 562 pods on the 481.17m² plot and 12,266 pods on a one-hectare area, translating to a total loss of ₦785,600 per hectare. This resulted in a 22% loss of cocoa pods, with 82% surviving. It was estimated that 2266 kg of dried cocoa beans would survive per hectare, while 491 kg could be lost to black pod disease. In total, 18% of cocoa beans were expected to be lost due to black pod disease. The study emphasizes the importance of implementing good agricultural practices to reduce the occurrence of black pod disease and minimize its impact on cocoa production.