Willingness to Participate in Cocoa Pension Scheme

Cocoa is Ghana’s leading export crop, sustaining millions of households. However, farmers often lack social protection, leaving them vulnerable in old age. The Cocoa Pension Scheme was introduced to provide retirement security for farmers. This study examines farmer willingness to participate, focusing on incentives, trust, and affordability. The broader challenge is that pension participation requires both financial capacity and institutional trust. Farmers skeptical of scheme management may be reluctant to join, while others see it as critical for long-term welfare. This research situates pensions within the broader discourse on agricultural social protection.

Survey data was collected from cocoa farmers to capture willingness to participate. Econometric models were applied to measure the relationship between income, trust, and participation. Qualitative interviews provided insights into farmer perceptions of pensions and social protection. Comparative analysis was conducted across income groups to capture heterogeneity in willingness. This dual approach ensured findings were both statistically rigorous and contextually grounded.