Cocoa Production and the Socioeconomic Development of Rural Communities: A Cross-Sectional Study of Mabere Sub-County, Bundibugyo District.

Abstract

Background

This study examined the relationship between cocoa production and the socio-economic development of Mabere Sub-County, Bundibugyo District. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between cocoa production and the socio-economic development of Mabere Sub-County, Bundibugyo District.

Methodology

A descriptive, correlational, and cross-sectional survey design was employed. The study population comprised 3,000 stakeholders involved in cocoa production within Mabere Sub-County. The sample size of 341 respondents was selected. Stratified and purposive sampling techniques were applied to ensure representation and relevance. Primary data were collected using questionnaires complemented by a documentary review checklist for secondary data. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

 Results

The study achieved a 73.3% response rate (n=250). Respondents were predominantly male (64.8%), aged 31–40 years (48.4%), and married (73.6%). Education levels were generally low, with 32.8% having PLE, 27.2% certificates, and only 0.8% bachelor’s degrees. Experience in cocoa production showed 41.2% had 3–5 years, 35.6% than 2 years, and 23.2% than 6 years. Cocoa production practices scored low (Mean=2.422, SD=0.163); land preparation (1.870) and fertilizer use (1.879) were least practiced, while pest control scored highest (4.294, SD=0.155). Socio-economic development indicators also rated low (Mean=2.144, SD=0.227), with poor healthcare access (1.436), electricity (1.834), and income (1.829). Education (2.325), roads (2.314), and capital access (2.610) were moderately better. Correlation showed a strong positive relationship (r=0.832, p=0.011), and regression confirmed significance (β=0.681, R²=0.611, F=29.36, p<0.001).

Conclusion

Cocoa production significantly contributes to livelihoods in Mabere Sub-County but is constrained by low agronomic adoption and limited socio-economic support.

 Recommendation

enhancing farmer training, improving access to inputs, strengthening cooperatives, and developing rural infrastructure to boost cocoa productivity and socio-economic development in Mabere Sub-County.