76 PELITA PERKEBUNAN, Volume 40, Number 1, April 2024 Edition Asirifi et al. Pelita Perkebunan 40(1) 2024, 76—90 Implementation Evaluation of Cocoa Hand Pollination Program in Ghana Solomon Asirifi 1) , Kwadwo Amankwa 2) , Fred Ankuyi 2*) , Enock Kwame Tham-Agyekum 2) , Addison Kwasi Akowuah 2) , Akua Yeboah Oduro-Owusu 1) , and Prince Kwadwo Amoako 1) 1) Cocoa Health and Extension Division (CHED), Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Ghana 2) Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Private Mail Bag, University Post Office, Kumasi, Ghana *) Corresponding author: fredankuyi@gmail.com Received: 7 December 2023 / Accepted: 22 January 2024 Abstract Ghana’s agricultural landscape, dominated by lush cocoa plantations, has long relied on cocoa production as a cornerstone of its economy. However, a crisis has emerged as evidence points to insufficient natural pollination, resulting in a decline in cocoa yields. The study examines the Cocoa Hand Pollination Program (CHPP) and its potential to revolutionise cocoa farming in Ghana’s cocoa industry. The study employed an exploratory research design, collecting primary data through structured questionnaires from 367 cocoa farmers, 159 pollinators, and 30 extension staff. Data were analysed descriptively. It was revealed that cocoa farmers have a relatively low level of knowledge about CHPP’s objectives but perceive these goals as highly important. Farmers have successfully increased cocoa yield per hectare but face challenges in boosting overall cocoa production. Farmers exhibit a good understanding of CHPP activities and consider them crucial for program success. Pollinators have successfully enhanced natural pollination but are less positive about their contributions to socioeconomic livelihood improvement and entrepreneurship skills. Extension staff perceive the program as successful in helping farmers increase yield per hectare. However, the goals of integrating hand pollination into routine good agricultural practices (GAP) activities have faced challenges. The efforts and goals of CHPP are generally valued by extension administrators who are committed to the program. Organisational and community characteristics generally favoured the program, but there were inconsistencies in the timely delivery of essential tools. This study offers valuable insights into the program’s challenges and opportunities, providing essential information for policymakers and researchers working to improve cocoa production, uplift farmer livelihoods, and address similar agricultural contexts. Addressing challenges, enhancing knowledge sharing, and optimising program elements can ensure cocoa farming’s long-term sustainability and success, benefiting local farmers and the cocoa industry as a whole. Keywords: Artificial pollination, cocoa farming, community involvement, organisational, community characteristics ISSN: 0215-0212 / e-ISSN: 2406-9574 DOI: 10.22302/iccri.jur.pelitaperkebunan.v40i1.588