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Research Article

Determinants of Household Participation in Coconut (Cocos nucifera) Farming: Evidence from Rural Ghana

Authors

  • Hilda Kwara Department of Basic and Applied Sciences, Centre for Climate Change and Sustainability Studies, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
  • Francis Aforve Department of Basic and Applied Sciences, Centre for Climate Change and Sustainability Studies, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana

    francisaforve@afccsd.org

  • George Frimpong Enchill Department of Environmental Management, University of Energy and Natural Resources, Sunyani, Ghana https://orcid.org/0009-0007-3849-0649
  • Agyemang Badu Department of Environmental Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
  • Buah Antoinette Department of Environmental Science, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Science, Godollo, Hungary

Abstract

The complexity of household decision-making in agricultural production involves multiple interacting factors, including demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status, institutional access, and environmental conditions. The coconut palm (Cocos nucifera), locally known as “kube” in Akan, thrives in Ghana’s coastal and forest transitional zones, offering multiple economic opportunities through its diverse product applications, including coconut water, copra, coconut oil, and coir fiber. Despite its economic potential, coconut farming adoption remains heterogeneous across Ghanaian rural communities, with participation rates varying significantly between and within regions. This research was conducted in the Lower Manya Kobo District (LMKD) of Ghana. The study used a mixed-methods approach, which integrated both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. A logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the key factors influencing respondents’ willingness to adopt coconut farming as an alternative livelihood in the Lower Manya Krobo District. A total of 150 respondents were used for the study. Primary data collection involved the use of structured questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions. Logistic regression analysis identified access to land as the most influential predictor, with an odds ratio of 2.8 (p = 0.0095), indicating that respondents with secure land tenure were nearly three times more likely to consider coconut farming. Financial resources also played a critical role, with an odds ratio of 1.9 (p = 0.0462). Access to agricultural extension services was similarly significant (odds ratio = 1.7, p = 0.0487), emphasizing the importance of technical guidance for farmers.  There is a need to enhance the capacity and reach of agricultural extension services, particularly in remote areas. Extension officers should be trained to provide specialized support in coconut cultivation, including pest management, agroforestry techniques, and market linkages.

Keywords:

Agricultural Economics Coconut Farming Household Participation Logistic Regression Rural Ghana

Article information

Journal

Journal of Environment, Climate, and Ecology

Volume (Issue)

2(2), (2025)

Pages

130-137

Published

24-10-2025

How to Cite

Kwara, H., Aforve, F., Enchill, G. F., Badu, A., & Antoinette, B. (2025). Determinants of Household Participation in Coconut (Cocos nucifera) Farming: Evidence from Rural Ghana. Journal of Environment, Climate, and Ecology, 2(2), 130-137. https://doi.org/10.69739/jece.v2i2.1049

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