Soil fertility loss is a major cause of declining cocoa production in West Africa. One solution is the adoption of agroforestry systems, which integrate forest or fruit tree species in cocoa farms for ecological and socio-economic benefits. Agroforestry provides climate buffering, carbon sequestration, pathogen regulation, and soil fertility improvements, enhancing cocoa health and yields. This study assessed effects of agroforestry on cocoa health and soil fertility in four cocoa-growing districts in Ghana. Data were collected from 900 farmers via questionnaire to evaluate the association between agroforestry and pest and disease prevalence. Soil samples from agroforestry (AF) and non-agroforestry (NAF) farms were analyzed for physiochemical properties. Chi-square tests showed significant correlations between agroforestry and cocoa health indices, except for capsid. Soil acidity was higher in NAF farms in Asunafo North, while magnesium and cation exchange capacity differed significantly in Tano South. In Bibiani - Ahwiaso, soil pH was higher in NAF farms, but soil organic matter and nitrogen were higher in AF farms. Phosphorus levels differed significantly between the systems across all districts. Agroforestry was linked to the prevalence of mistletoe, black pod, fresh shoots, epiphytes, and white thread. These results support promoting agroforestry among cocoa farmers, technical officers, and policymakers.

Keywords: Soil quality; Soil health; Physiochemical analysis; cocoa health; agroforestry