Approved pesticide compliance, productivity enhancement, and sustainable cocoa production among smallholder farmers in Nigeria

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This study assessed the effect of compliance with approved pesticide use on cocoa productivity and sustainable cocoa production in Osun State, Nigeria. Primary data were collected from 240 cocoa farmers selected through a multistage sampling procedure across four major cocoa-producing Local Government Areas. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, double hurdle regression, and endogenous switching regression models. Findings revealed that all sampled farmers used approved pesticides, although 94.58% were fully compliant by exclusively using approved products, while 5.42% combined approved and banned pesticides. The most commonly used fungicides were Red Force and Ultimax Plus, whereas Force Up dominated herbicide application. Major constraints to compliance included weather fluctuations, labor shortages, and high input costs. Results from the double hurdle model showed that age, education, and farming experience significantly increased the likelihood of compliance with approved pesticide use, while age, farming experience, farm size, and cocoa yield significantly influenced the intensity of pesticide application. The endogenous switching regression results indicated that compliance with approved pesticide use significantly enhanced cocoa productivity. Compliant farmers achieved a mean yield of 0.482 tons/ha compared to 0.430 tons/ha among non-compliant farmers. Treatment effect estimates further revealed that compliance generated an 11% productivity gain for compliant farmers, while non-compliant farmers could potentially increase productivity by 12.8% through full compliance. The study concludes that compliance with approved pesticide use contributes significantly to productivity enhancement, food safety, and sustainable cocoa production. Therefore, strengthening extension services, farmer education, and enforcement of approved pesticide regulations is essential for achieving sustainable cocoa sector transformation in Nigeria.

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