The hurdles of service delivery integration in a pluralistic landscape: the Cameroonian cocoa sector

Purpose: We investigated the existence of mechanisms to achieve integrated service delivery aimed at fostering changes in farming practices and increased sustainability in the Cameroonian cocoa sector, and whether integration is effectively achieved. Design/Methodology/Approach: In-depth key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and a survey were conducted with innovation service providers and cocoa farmers. Social network analysis, thematic analysis, and descriptive analysis were performed. Findings: Results showed a pluralistic landscape with few actors that could be intermediaries in a loose network. Formal and informal spaces of interaction resulting from public or private initiatives exist. Yet, service integration remains low due to limited coordination, cooperation and collaboration, a weak regulatory framework, and a context where service delivery mostly occurs as part of externally funded projects and programmes. Consequently, there is an overlap in interventions while some services are missing, many farmers are excluded from service delivery, and the long-term sustainability of the services provided is not guaranteed. Practical Implications: To accelerate the transition to sustainable cocoa production systems, it is necessary to develop holistic and integrated solutions, and to increase synergies and inclusiveness in service delivery. Theoretical Implications: The research suggests distinguishing between the mechanism leading to integration in service delivery and the resulting outcomes. Originality/Value: We propose a framework to examine the effectiveness of service delivery by examining service integration at two levels: the existence of mechanisms to ensure that service integration takes place and the outcomes of the integration process.