Journal of
Agricultural Biotechnology and Sustainable Development

  • Abbreviation: J. Agric. Biotech. Sustain. Dev.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 2141-2340
  • DOI: 10.5897/JABSD
  • Start Year: 2009
  • Published Articles: 146

Article in Press

PEST AND DISEASE MANAGEMENT APPROACHES FOR ORGANIC COCOA PRODUCTION IN NIGERIA

A. R. Adedeji, R. A. Sanusi, A. O. Olaiya and V. O. Oyedokun

Summary The recent efforts of Nigeria towards Agricultural transformation agenda (ATA) are receiving support from other stake holders in Agriculture. Among non- governmental organizations supporting government in this area is (NOAN), working and promoting organic agriculture in the country. Recently NOAN organized her third National technical workshop on organic agriculture where in papers were presented on various titles. This paper is one of the lead papers presented on the challenges and way out on organic cocoa production especially on organic crop protection. Diseases and insect pests were observed as major limiting factors on organic cocoa production. Different control approaches and general principles guiding organic farming in general and organic in particular were highlighted. Various efforts towards developing organic friendly control approaches in the country were enumerated. Gains accruable on organic cocoa production were equally elucidated. Finally ways by which organic cocoa farmers could encourage were given. It was observed that Nigeria has potentials of producing organic cocoa that would command premium price.

Keywords: Agricultural transformation agenda, Organic agriculture, Organic cocoa, Pest and Disease Management, Biological control.