The Satellite Trials under the CocoaSoils project will be implemented in carefully-selected, existing cocoa plantations, which will provide quick results in relation to primary nutrient constraints over larger production areas. The Satellite Trials aim to evaluate the effect of improved nutrient recommendations and fertiliser formulations on growth and yield response in mature trees, and interactions with shade and management practices.

This training was to orient the enumerators and technicians for the field activity of validating selected sites/farms for the Satellite Trials that will be hosted by the various partners.

CAMEROON

The training was held in Yaoundé from February 12-13, 2020. A total of 13 enumerators, five OLAM technicians, participated in the training exercise. The first day was theoretical, where the participants were taken through the purpose of the site validation, and the various processes and tools that would be used in the validation. Participants were engaged in activities to calculate the shade percentage as well as how to record management practices.

Partner technicians in the field measuring shade cover and the DBH of the tree
Partner technicians in the field measuring shade cover and the DBH of the tree

COTE D’IVOIRE

The training was held in Gagnoa on February 1-2, 2020. The training was coordinated by Dr Mahyao Adolphe of CNRA, Mr. Boris Kouassi of (IITA-Cote d’Ivoire) and Mr. Rich Kofi Kofituo (IITA -Ghana) for nine enumerators who took part in the baseline survey. Enumerators were trained on the aim of the Satellite Trials, basic requirements for farm selection, the scope of the validation work, the use of the CanOvalator App and the KoboCollect tool for ground-truthing. A practical session was then carried out for each enumerator for hands-on practice on carrying out the validation activity.

Mr. Kofituo (IITA) taking participants through the training session
Participants in the field for hand-on data collection session

GHANA

The training was held in Kumasi from February 24-27, 2020. A total of 47 technicians and field supervisors were trained on the Satellite Trials’ implementation and management protocols, plot delineation and initial site characterisation. The technicians were from the four partner companies (i.e. Kuapa Kokoo, OLAM, Mondelez, Rockwinds/TransRoyal) who are hosting the Satellite Trial sites, and were also involved in the site validation exercise. The training included classroom and field activities. The classroom training involved exposure to the concept of the CocoaSoils and the Satellite Trials, plot establishment, initials site characterisation, data collection protocols, and tools to be used.

The field activity involved a hands-on practice where participants were trained in plot delineation and site characterisation. There was a review of the entire training programme, and issues of concern were discussed. The training was coordinated and facilitated by Dr. Stefan Hauser (IITA), Dr. Leonard Rusinamhodzi (IITA), Ekatherina Vasquez (WUR) and Abigail Tettey (IITA).

Dr. Hauser taking participants through the training session
Group photo of participants with facilitators in Ghana

NIGERIA

The training was held from February 11-12, 2020 in Akure. The training began with an introduction by Dr. Stefan Hauser (IITA), who spoke briefly on the aim of the Satellite Trials, basic requirements for farm selection and the scope of the validation work. Two facilitators, Dr. Leonard Rusinamhodzi (IITA) and Mr. Rich Kofi Kofituo (IITA) gave presentations on the criteria for selecting satellite plots, the use of the CanOvalator App and the KoboCollect tool for ground-truthing. A visit was made to a cocoa farm for a practical session. The team seized the opportunity to visit the CocoaSoils Core Trial site at Owena. A total of 28 participants took part in the training. These included participants from CRIN, OLAM and IITA. The training was coordinated by the Baseline Coordinator, Dr. Kayode Oluyole and Dr. Moses Ogunlade, the Core Trial Manager from Nigeria (CRIN).