Smallholder farmers' participation decisions and rehabilitation intensity in Ghana's cocoa sector

Purpose This study aims to investigate factors influencing smallholder cocoa farmers' participation decisions and intensity in farm rehabilitation programs in Ghana's Kadjebi District, addressing a critical knowledge gap in cocoa sector sustainability interventions. Design/methodology/approach The study employed a cross-sectional survey design with primary data collected from 241 smallholder cocoa farmers selected through multistage sampling techniques. The analysis utilized the Heckman sample selection model, with first-stage probit regression examining participation determinants and second-stage ordinary least squares (OLS) regression analyzing intensity factors among participants. Findings The results revealed that 57% of surveyed farmers participated in rehabilitation programs. Participation decisions were significantly influenced by household size, land ownership, rehabilitation awareness, farm diversification, age, education level, years of farming experience and rehabilitation techniques. Participation intensity was affected by rehabilitation training, farm incentives, extension services, rehabilitation awareness, age, education, farming experience and rehabilitation techniques employed. Surprisingly, land ownership and extension services showed negative relationships with participation and intensity respectively, contradicting conventional expectations. Research limitations/implications The findings imply a need for tailored rehabilitation policies addressing land tenure insecurity, improving extension service delivery, enhancing input distribution systems and promoting compatible rehabilitation techniques aligned with farmers' resource constraints and risk profiles. Originality/value This study provides novel insights into the dual dimensions of participation decisions and intensity in cocoa rehabilitation, employing the Heckman approach to address selection bias. It bridges a critical literature gap by examining rehabilitation dynamics in an understudied cocoa-producing region, offering valuable guidance for designing effective interventions to enhance cocoa sector sustainability in Ghana.