CRIG Forschungsversuch: Dynamische Agroforstwirtschaft (DAF) vs. konventioneller Kakaoanbau in New Tafo

The Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG) is leading a scientific long-term research trial at its New Tafo facility, comparing Dynamic Agroforestry (DAF) with conventional cocoa farming. This trial, launched in 2022, within the framework of the SANKOFA 2.0 Project, a large-scale initiative promoting regenerative agroforestry as a solution to soil degradation, biodiversity loss, and climate vulnerability in cocoa production.

The project was inspired by the SysCom Bolivia trial, one of the largest comparative studies of different cocoa production systems globally. In 2023, a high-level delegation from Ghana, including the Executive Director of CRIGand the Executive Director of the Cocoa Health and Extension Division (CHED), visited Alto Beni, Bolivia, for a Dynamic Agroforestry workshop hosted by ECOTOP.

For the first time, they observed mature, high-performing DAF cocoa systems, demonstrating superior resilience, yield stability, and environmental benefits. This visit reinforced their commitment to incorporating DAF into Ghana’s national cocoa strategy, leading to the strengthened research effort at New Tafo.

How CRIG is Positioned to Make DAF a Driving Force in Ghana

With its long-standing role as Ghana’s leading cocoa research institution, CRIG is uniquely positioned to generate the scientific data needed to scale DAF across the country. By conducting this rigorous research trial, CRIG is laying the foundation for evidence-based policymaking and technical recommendations that can shape the future of cocoa farming in Ghana.

Through its research, CRIG is working to:

• Validate the benefits of DAF under Ghanaian conditions, ensuring its adaptability to local farm realities.
• Provide a scientifically backed alternative to monoculture cocoa, offering farmers a pathway to improved soil health, higher yields, and increased resilience to climate change.
• Support COCOBOD and policymakers in integrating DAF into Ghana’s national cocoa sustainability strategy.

By establishing DAF as a research-backed solution, CRIG is set to play a pivotal role in making DAF a mainstream farming practice in Ghana, creating a more resilient and regenerative cocoa sector.

Objectives of the CRIG Research Trial

This scientific long-term study will assess the agronomic, economic, and ecological performance of DAF-based cocoa farming compared to conventional monoculture. Key research areas include:

• Growth and Yield Performance – Tracking cocoa tree growth, survival rates, and yield stability in DAF vs. monoculture systems.
• Soil Health and Fertility – Measuring organic matter buildup, soil structure, and moisture retention in DAF plots.
• Biodiversity and Pest Resilience – Examining how shade trees and plant diversity enhance natural pest control.
• Carbon Sequestration Potential – Evaluating the CO₂ storage capacity of cocoa-based agroforestry systems.
• Economic Feasibility – Assessing the long-term profitability of diversified DAF systems.

Planting Design & Methodology

The CRIG DAF trial, designed by ECOTOP, follows a multi-strata agroforestry model, integrating cocoa with a diverse mix of plant species to replicate the natural forest ecosystem. This planting system is structured to optimize productivity, resilience, and long-term sustainability.

Key Components of the DAF System

• Early succession species: Pigeon pea, Bixa orellana (annatto), cassava, and other short-cycle crops provide biomass, nitrogen fixation, and rapid soil improvement.
• Mid-succession species: Shade trees, fruit trees, and soil-enhancing plants create an optimal growing environment for cocoa.
• Late-succession timber and nitrogen-fixing trees: These ensure long-term carbon storage, biodiversity, and economic diversification for farmers.

By mimicking natural forest succession, the DAF model ensures higher productivity while regenerating soil and enhancing climate resilience.

Preliminary Observations: Why DAF is Gaining Momentum

Although still in its early stages, the trial is already showing promising results:

• High soil organic matter and improved moisture retention, creating optimal conditions for cocoa trees.
• Strong plant resilience to climate stress, particularly in drought-prone areas.
• Increased biodiversity, with natural pest suppression reducing the need for chemical inputs.
• Potential for diversified farmer income, as intercropping with fruit and timber species provides additional revenue streams.

These findings support the growing recognition of DAF as a superior alternative to monoculture cocoa farming.

How CRIG is Positioned to Make DAF a Driving Force in Ghana

With its long-standing role as Ghana’s leading cocoa research institution, CRIG is uniquely positioned to generate the scientific data needed to scale DAF across the country. By conducting this rigorous research trial, CRIG is laying the foundation for evidence-based policymaking that can shape the future of cocoa farming in Ghana.

The Chief Executive of COCOBOD, Hon. Joseph Boahen Aidoo, has emphasized the need to integrate Dynamic Agroforestry into Ghana’s national cocoa strategy, stating:

“DAF is a good technique which must be disseminated to the farmers so that as many farmers as possible will adopt it, especially as we look to restore a lot of our farmlands which have been affected by the Cocoa Swollen Shoot Virus Disease (CSSVD).”​

Hon. Boahen Aidoo further highlighted the urgent need for a shift from conventional cocoa cultivation to DAF, explaining:

“In the conventional farm, the biodiversity is not much, and the biomass is not there to provide enough soil moisture to make cocoa survive during the dry season. This is a good model, an upgrade of our existing system. We need this model to rejuvenate and regenerate our forests, and I believe this is the way to go.”​

By establishing DAF as a research-backed solution, CRIG is set to make DAF a mainstream farming practice in Ghana, ensuring:

✔ Resilient cocoa production despite climate challenges
✔ Restoration of degraded lands and CSSVD-affected farms
✔ Long-term economic benefits for farmers

As CRIG advances its scientific trials, the research outcomes will serve as the foundation for large-scale adoption of DAF, positioning Ghana as a global leader in climate-smart cocoa production.

COCOBOD Newsletter April 2024 – Advancing Dynamic Agroforestry for Sustainable Cocoa Farming