Assessment of farm safety practices among cocoa farmers under certification schemes in the Mampong Cocoa District

In recent years, cocoa certification schemes have emerged as mechanisms to promote sustainable farming practices, including farm safety measures. However, the extent to which these programmes influence farmers’ adoption of safety practices remains underexplored. This study employed a descriptive quantitative design to examine the role of certification schemes in promoting farm safety among 150 certified cocoa farmers in the Mampong Cocoa District, selected using a simple random sampling technique. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results indicate that farmers generally implement safety practices only “sometimes.” Gender and age negatively influenced adoption, whereas education, farm size, and access to formal credit significantly enhanced compliance. Certification schemes were found to moderately improve farm safety practices, likely constrained by limited awareness and structural challenges. Based on these findings, we recommend that certification programmes integrate continuous safety education, practical demonstrations, and peer learning into their training, alongside regular on-farm follow-ups, to reinforce consistent adoption of safety practices. These measures can improve farmer well-being, reduce risks, and enhance the effectiveness of certification in promoting sustainable cocoa production.