Building the Next Generation of Cocoa Researchers in Ghana

Through the African Plant Nutrition Research Fund-Cocoa project, APNI supports young Ghanaian scientists to produce applied, field-based research that responds directly to farmers’ realities. As part of this effort, four MSc students were supported to carry out research on shade management, soil fertility, and nutrient use efficiency in cocoa agroforestry systems in Ghana. Their work contributes practical evidence to improve cocoa productivity, reduce input waste, and strengthen the long-term sustainability of cocoa landscapes.

In December 2025, these four students have successfully graduated from their Program of Geo-Information Science for Natural Resources Management at the Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Kumasi, Ghana under the Academic Supervision of Dr. George Ashiagbor.

Below are their research topics:

Isaac Stanisluv Essah – Modelling the number of shade tree species needed to reach the optimal canopy target in cocoa agroforestry systems

Rather than relying on a fixed recommendation for the number of shade trees per hectare, this research shows that different tree species contribute very differently to canopy cover. By measuring canopy characteristics of common shade trees on cocoa farms, the study developed a model that estimates how many trees of each species are needed to reach optimal shade levels, while also accounting for farmer preferences. This approach supports more precise, species-specific shade management, helping farmers optimise agroforestry systems without compromising cocoa productivity.

Gideon Enyinful-Andoh – Classifying soils in cocoa landscapes into fertility archetypes for targeted nutrient management

This study addressed the challenge of highly variable soil fertility across cocoa-growing areas in Ghana. Through soil sampling and spatial analysis, cocoa soils were grouped into fertility archetypes based on key indicators such as pH, organic carbon, and nutrient availability. The results show that while most soils are generally suitable for cocoa, they often suffer from specific nutrient imbalances that limit yields. These findings highlight the importance of site-specific nutrient management, rather than blanket fertiliser recommendations that increase costs for farmers without delivering proportional benefits.

Graduation day: (Left to right)  Isaac Stanisluv Essah, Abigail A. Adjetey Bisa, Ophelia Ahorlu, Gideon Enyinful-Andoh

Ophelia Ahorlu – The composition and diversity of shade trees in cocoa agroforestry systems do not significantly influence soil quality across cocoa landscapes

This research examined whether increasing shade-tree diversity and canopy cover automatically improves soil quality in cocoa agroforestry systems. Using soil quality indices and statistical analysis, the study found no significant relationship between overall tree diversity and soil quality. Instead, results suggest that specific tree species, rather than tree number or diversity alone, play a more important role in influencing soil fertility. The study supports a more strategic approach to agroforestry design, focusing on tree species selection based on functional benefits.

Abigail A. Adjetey Bisa – Detection and prediction of soil macronutrients (N, P, K) in cocoa canopy using multispectral UAV

This study explored how drone-based multispectral imagery can be used to estimate soil macronutrients in cocoa systems. By combining UAV data with soil and leaf analyses, the research demonstrated the potential of remote sensing to detect nutrient patterns, particularly phosphorus and potassium. While further work is needed to improve model accuracy, the study highlights how digital tools and precision agriculture approaches can complement traditional soil testing and support more efficient nutrient management in cocoa farming.