Determinants of Approved Pesticides Use and Its Effect on Farm Performance among Cocoa Farmers in Osun State, Nigeria

Abstract This study examined the effects of approved pesticide use on cocoa output and farm income in Osun State, Nigeria, given cocoa’s importance as a major cash crop. A multi‑stage sampling technique was used to select 120 cocoa farmers, and data were analysed using descriptive statistics, logit regression, farm budgeting, and multiple regression models. The average farmer was 49 years old, had 24 years of farming experience, a household size of seven, and cultivated about 2. 7 hectares. Logit regression results indicated that age, marital status, farmers’ association membership, access to credit, and pesticide costs significantly influenced the likelihood of using approved pesticides. Budgetary analysis showed that average costs and returns per hectare were 150. 22 and 290. 54, respectively, with total revenue of 440. 76, a gross margin of 326. 21, and net income of 290. 54, yielding a profit margin of 65. 92%. Ordinary least squares estimates revealed that gender, education, quantity of pesticide used, and pesticide cost significantly affected cocoa output, while farm size, age, education, quantity of pesticide, and household size significantly influenced income. The findings suggest that the use of approved pesticides is associated with higher cocoa output among farmers. The results also indicate that the use of approved pesticides is linked to improved farm income. The study recommends policies that enhance farmers’ access to credit, promote youth participation in cocoa production, and encourage membership in farmer associations to increase adoption of approved pesticides and improve livelihoods in the cocoa sector.