Abstract:
Cocoa (Theobroma cocoa) is one of the major agricultural commodities in Ghana. However, its production in
Ghana and Africa is faced with numerous occupational hazards and injuries. A survey of 160 cocoa farmers in the Birim
South District in the Eastern Region of Ghana was carried out to identify the predominant occupational hazards and
injuries faced by the farmers during pre-planting, planting, post-planting and post-harvest operations. Injuries from
stumps/thorns and cutlass were the most prevalent among farmers during land clearing and planting. Insect bite (red ants
bite), cutlass injury, headache and severe fever were also the major problems encountered during farm maintenance.
Back/waist pains, bee/warp sting, and headache were common problems during harvesting of pods and post harvest
operations. Cutlass injury, stumps/thorns injury and back/waist pain were also found to be more debilitating accounting for
an average day lost of 18, 12 and 12 from work in a cropping season respectively. Majority of respondent resorted to
treatment from the hospital on injuries/hazards from cutlass, snake bite, burns and harvesting tools. However, majority
resorted to self medication on injuries from stump and thorns, bees/wasp sting and fallen objects on the eye. Also nearly
two-thirds of the respondents did not use protective equipment during application of agrochemicals and this resulted to
difficulty in breathing, skin rashes and headaches. Cutlass injury recorded a greater number of days lost (18) per season
among the respondents and took the highest treatment and days lost cost ($ 85.4). It was recommended that Agricultural
Extension Agents in consultation with Ministry of Health and other health NGOs should collaborate to educate cocoa
farmers on precautionary measures and first aid operations at the farm level
