Diagnosis in Production and Post-harvest Processing of Nuts of Cola nitida (Malvaceae) in Côte d’Ivoire
Deigna-Mockey Viviane
Laboratory of Biochemistry and Food Sciences, Biosciences Training and Research Unit, Félix Houphouët-Boigny University, 22 BP 582 Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
Kouadio Kan Rodrigue
Laboratory of Biochemistry and Food Sciences, Biosciences Training and Research Unit, Félix Houphouët-Boigny University, 22 BP 582 Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
Konan N’Guessan Ysidor *
Laboratory of Biochemistry and Food Sciences, Biosciences Training and Research Unit, Félix Houphouët-Boigny University, 22 BP 582 Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
Biego Godi Henri Marius
Laboratory of Biochemistry and Food Sciences, Biosciences Training and Research Unit, Félix Houphouët-Boigny University, 22 BP 582 Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire and Department of Public Health, Hydrology and Toxicology, Training and Research Unit of Biological and Pharmacological Sciences, Félix Houphouët-Boigny University, BP 34 Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: To determine some characteristics involved in the cola path and to reveal the main constraints related to the production and trading of cola nuts.
Study Design: Field investigation from farmers in the main regions of the cola cultivation in Côte d’Ivoire. Main concerns from the cola farmers probed. Survey extended to traders of cola nuts. Responses recorded through individual questionnaire brought during visitations at farming lands.
Place and Duration of Study: From countryside farmers in 4 Districts of Côte d’Ivoire, and then from citizens traders; between 2014 and 2015.
Methodology: Study conducted in the main areas of production of cola nuts in Côte d'Ivoire, namely Districts of Mountains, Comoé, Lagoons and Down-Sassandra. Field investigation performed from 178 producers of cola nuts. Information requested about the profile, the cultural practices, the production, the plantation maintenance and the economy of the cola farmers. Data gathered through individual or collective interviews. Post-harvest treatment of the cola nuts also investigated, from 9 whole traders in the commune of Anyama.
Results: Male gender is overriding (98.9%) in cola culture. The adults between 41 and 60 years old are more represented (55.9%). Most of the farmers (68.1%) do not belong neither in cooperative nor other management structure. Hard overall farmers (94.7%) acquire their cola seeds from the neighbouring plantations or purchase them from free markets. These seeds are consisted in 66.5% traditional variety of cola, but the percentages of users are different from the regions (v = .309; p < .001). Moreover, cocoa remains the top plant for intercropping with the cola (47.9%). The investigated districts are mainly with adult cola plants (56.5%) flowering twice a year, as well as the fruits harvesting and trading. However, the plants provide low yield from 42% of the farmers, major rate of them having any access to substantial manpower (58%) and to phytosanitary products (76.1%) for treating plants which generally have large concerns with diseases (92%) or parasites (75%). These farmers don’t also rely on any information about the effective technical practices in cola cultivation. Cola nuts seem profitable for 86.7% of the actors, but lower purchasing prices are provided to farmers (74.5%) by traders. Traders are mainly (76.6%) from ‘’Malinké’’ ethnic group. In the whole trade centers, cola nuts are kept fresh using chemical pesticides. The processing is achieved by employees displaying large ignorance (89%) about health hazards involving the pesticides.
Conclusion: The production and trading of cola nuts are concerned with many troubles, and chemicals used for nuts post-harvest processing could incur serious risks for user and consumer of cola nuts. Efficient technical routes for production of cola nuts should be developed, including availability of improved seeds and storage of cola products with safety products.
Keywords: Cola nitida, descriptive investigation, diagnosis, farmers