Drivers of farmers' soil quality knowledge across Ghanaian agroecological zones

Abstract

Understanding how cocoa farmers practicing agroforestry perceive and manage soil quality is critical for designing context‐appropriate interventions that enhance productivity and ecosystem resilience. This study conducted a survey of 400 cocoa farmers across the Moist Semi‐Deciduous, Transitional, and Wet Evergreen ecological zones of Ghana to characterize socio‐economic attributes, quantify farmers’ soil quality knowledge, assess the alignment of local perceptions with scientific soil‐fertility criteria, and identify determinants of soil‐knowledge variation. A composite Soil Quality Knowledge Index (SQKI—a measure of soil quality based on farmers’ indicators) was derived from responses to thirteen key indicators, and mixed‐effects regression was used to evaluate the influence of ecological zone, age, farm size, and other socio‐demographic factors on SQKI. Results reveal significant zone‐specific differences in socio‐economic profiles, including gender composition, educational attainment, and farm scale, which corresponded to divergent knowledge levels (F = 7.33, p < 0.001). Transitional‐Zone farmers achieved the highest mean SQKI (73.9%), followed by Wet Evergreen (73.0%) and Moist Semi‐Deciduous (70.9%) zones. Across all zones, soil colour, texture, and surface litter were the most salient indicators, reflecting both universal and locally nuanced assessment criteria. Local perceptions converged with established pedological standards for physical, chemical, and biological fertility metrics. Younger age and larger farm size were positively associated with higher SQKI, underscoring generational and scale‐related knowledge dynamics. Therefore, integrating farmers’ ethnoecological insights into zone-specific extension packages and national advisory services can help align farmer practices with Ghana’s forest and soil management priorities and broader agendas (SDGs, AU Agenda 2063), thereby improving soil stewardship and resilient cocoa production.