Ghana cocoa agroforestry sustainability modelling: a practical approach for measuring and enhancing sustainability performance

The environmental, economic, and social benefits of cocoa agroforestry are well-established, yet the challenges hindering its sustainability cannot be overlooked. Bridging this gap is essential for strengthening the sustainability of cocoa agroforestry. Furthermore, a comprehensive model for assessing and improving the sustainability performance of these systems is still lacking, putting the widespread adoption of cocoa agroforestry at risk. This study examines the sustainability dynamics of cocoa agroforestry through the development of a Sustainability Model, integrating economic, social, and environmental dimensions to align with the UN’s SDGs concept. In examining indicators such as farmer income, certification programmes, biodiversity conservation, and soil-water management, the weighted sum method was used to develop various measuring factors across the indicators. Key findings include the development of a sustainability metric for farmers to calculate their sustainability performance score in rating their sustainability level. The model facilitates quantitative evaluation and identifies areas for improvement. The study highlights the importance of diverse shade tree species for mitigating climate change, enhancing biodiversity, and maintaining soil health. Implementing these strategies can enhance environmental conservation, social equity, and economic resilience in cocoa agroforestry systems, contributing to a more sustainable cocoa industry.