Question

What measures have been taken by the government of Ghana to tackle the government of cocoa?
A) Spraying of insecticides to control plant disease
B) Liberal use of fertilizers
C) Developing high yielding varieties of Cocos plant.
D) All of the above

Answer 1

Hint: Ghana's principal cash crop is cocoa, which is the country's main agricultural export. Ivory Coast has the world's largest cocoa irrigation network, and Ghana is the world's second largest cocoa exporter. Ghana's cocoa planting is not native to the country; yet, it is regarded as one of the most coveted commodities and jewels in the developing world.

Complete answer:
While the repercussions of the crisis may be seen in Ghana and other parts of the world, some remedies have the potential to totally transform the situation. People, particularly politicians and economists, should recognise the value of cocoa and its production and promote it in many ways. Despite the fact that protests have erupted across the country, measures have been delayed thus far, and farmers are struggling to keep their operations running despite the challenges they confront.

Crop transportation was given to the private sector by the government. Subsidies for production inputs (fertilisers, insecticides, fungicides, and equipment) were eliminated, and at least one joint venture was established to privatise the processing sector. In 1982, at the point of purchase of dried beans, a new payment method known as the Akuafo Check System was created.

The administration aimed to restructure cocoa production as well as implement marketing changes. Farmers were given seedlings in 1983 to replace trees that had died due to the drought and trees that were more than thirty years old (about one-fourth of the total number of trees in 1984).

Until the early 1990s, an estimated 40 hectares were added to the total area under cocoa cultivation per year, bringing the total area under cocoa production to 800,000 hectares. In addition, a significant project to rebuild existing roads and build 3,000 kilometres of new feeder roads was undertaken to make it easier to transport and sell cocoa from some of the more neglected but fertile growing areas on the border with Ivory Coast.

However, with scientists and investors collaborating with cocoa producers, there is optimism for resolving the market's current issues. If the cocoa issue worsens, the consequences might be disastrous for the rest of the world. The most noticeable effect would be a shortage of chocolate, which would amount to 100 000 tonnes per year. And if no steps are taken to address the cocoa situation, this will happen in a couple of years. Not only chocolate, but also chocolate-flavoured goods, drinks, and various foods will be harmed, leaving our earth in a lot poorer and less delectable state.

Therefore the correct answer is option ‘D’.

Note: Except for that which is smuggled out of the nation, all cocoa is sold to the Cocoa Marketing Board at set prices. Despite the fact that most cocoa is grown by peasant farmers on small pieces of land of fewer than three hectares, a small number of farmers appear to control the market. According to some statistics, just over half of all cocoa producers receive just over half of the overall cocoa income.