Economic performance of certified cocoa-based agroforestry systems in Cameroon

Several studies exist today on the adoption of innovations (certification) in the cocoa value chain in Africa's largest cocoa-producing countries (Ivoiry Coast and Ghana). Despite the importance of the cocoa sector in Cameroon's economy and as a source of income to the majority of its farmers, similar studies are few. In view of the above, this article evaluates the impact of certification on the economic performance of cocoa-based agroforestry systems in Cameroon's main production basins (the Center and South West Regions). Primary data, from 506 identified farmers, were complemented by those from field observations and a survey of key resource persons of the cocoa sector. The evaluation was carried out using the quasi-experimental method. The endogenous switching regression (ESR) treatment effects complemented with a binary propensity score matching methods were adopted to test their robustness and reduced selection bias from both observed and unobserved characteristics. Obtained results showed that the adoption of certification significantly and positively impacted the economic performance of cocoa producers, in yield (at about 87 kg/ha) and value (similar to 200 USD). Hence, government and private developmental partners should jointly finance and organize the cocoa sector and facilitate small farmers' access to certification norms.