Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana
| Founded | 1938 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Government of Ghana (originally under West African Cocoa Research Institute) |
| Type | Research Institute |
| Legal status | Active |
| Purpose | Agricultural research and development for cocoa and allied crops |
| Headquarters | Tafo, Eastern Region, Ghana |
| Location |
|
| Coordinates | 6°13′38″N 0°21′45″W |
Region | Ghana |
Parent organization | Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) |
| Website | https://crig.org.gh/ |
The Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG) is a national agricultural research institute headquartered at Tafo in the Eastern Region of Ghana. It is responsible for scientific research into cocoa production, diseases, genetics, processing, and sustainability.[1] The institute operates under the Ghana Cocoa Board and serves as the principal body for cocoa research in Ghana.[2]
The institute is known for developing improved cocoa varieties, pest-control methods, soil management techniques, and technologies that support farmers and the cocoa industry.[3][4]
History
The origins of the institute date to 1938 when the West African Cocoa Research Institute (WACRI) was established during the colonial period to coordinate cocoa research across British West Africa.[5][6] After Ghana gained independence in 1957, responsibility for cocoa research was gradually transferred to national authorities[7].
In 1963, Ghana formally withdrew from the multinational structure and reorganised its cocoa research operations into a national institution, which became the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana.[8][9][10]
Research and programmes
CRIG’s research activities cover scientific areas.[11]
Genetics and breeding
Scientists develop improved cocoa varieties with higher yields, resistance to disease, and tolerance to environmental stress.[12][13]
Plant protection
Research focuses on controlling major cocoa pests and diseases, including black pod disease and capsid infestations, using integrated management approaches.[14][15]
Soil science
Studies examine soil fertility, nutrient management, and sustainable land-use practices for cocoa cultivation.[16][17]
Post-harvest technology
The institute researches fermentation, drying, storage, and processing methods to improve bean quality and value addition.[18][19]
Extension and technology transfer
CRIG works with extension agencies and farmer groups to disseminate research findings and best practices.[20][21]
Facilities
CRIG’s headquarters at Tafo includes laboratories, experimental farms, nurseries, training facilities, and demonstration plots. The institute maintains field stations across cocoa-growing regions of Ghana for on-farm trials and regional research.[22]
See also
References
- ^ "About CRIG". Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana. Retrieved 20 February 2026.
- ^ Chang, Ha-Joon (2012). Public Policy and Agricultural Development. Routledge. p. 149. ISBN 9781136635298.
- ^ "Research Programmes". CRIG. Retrieved 20 February 2026.
- ^ "Ghana Cocoa Sector Overview". International Cocoa Organization. Retrieved 20 February 2026.
- ^ "Our History – GAAS". Retrieved 20 February 2026.
- ^ Bentsi-Enchill, E. A. (1990). A History of Agricultural Research in Ghana. Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences.
- ^ "Cocobod - [News Article Title]". cocobod.gh. Retrieved 20 February 2026.
- ^ "Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG) | Devex". www.devex.com. Retrieved 20 February 2026.
- ^ banda. "COCOA RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF GHANA (CRIG)". GEPA Buyer Portal. Retrieved 20 February 2026.
- ^ Austin, Gareth (2005). Labour, Land, and Capital in Ghana. University of Rochester Press.
- ^ "Research Divisions". CRIG. Retrieved 20 February 2026.
- ^ Follana, Carlos (12 June 2018). "Proceedings of the International Symposium on Cocoa Research 2017". International Cocoa Organization. Retrieved 20 February 2026.
- ^ Opoku, I. Y. (2010). "Cocoa Breeding in Ghana". Experimental Agriculture. 46 (3).
- ^ "Cocobod - [News Article Title]". cocobod.gh. Retrieved 20 February 2026.
- ^ "Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana". PANS Pest Articles & News Summaries. 17 (1): 77–79. March 1971. doi:10.1080/09670877109413259. ISSN 0030-7793.
- ^ "Researchers Outline New Evidence on Cocoa Production and Sustainability at Cocoa4Future Dialogue | University of Ghana". www.ug.edu.gh. Retrieved 20 February 2026.
- ^ Adjei-Nsiah, S. (2014). "Soil Fertility Management in Cocoa Systems". Agroforestry Systems. 88.
- ^ "Cocobod - Cocoa Research Institute Of Ghana". cocobod.gh. Retrieved 20 February 2026.
- ^ "Cocoa Processing Research". CRIG. Retrieved 20 February 2026.
- ^ "189". i.journal.fanres.org. Retrieved 20 February 2026.
- ^ "Technology Transfer". CRIG. Retrieved 20 February 2026.
- ^ "Facilities". CRIG. Retrieved 20 February 2026.