Farmers' perceptions, drivers and impact of the adoption of Good Agricultural Practices on yield: Evidence from the cashew nut production in Côte d'Ivoire

Côte d’Ivoire, the world's leading cashew nut producer with 1,200,000 tons in 2022, faces low productivity of raw cashew nuts (350–500 kg/ha) due to the limited adoption of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP). This study explored the relationship between producers' perceptions and GAP adoption, identified factors influencing both the adoption and intensity of GAP use, and assessed the impact of GAP adoption on cashew nut yield. Using probit, Poisson regression, and marginal treatment effect models on data from 845 cashew producers, we found that plot preparation, direct seeding, shaping pruning, firebreak strips, thinning, and pruning were the most adopted GAP practices. The probit model results indicate that training, supervision by extension services, and producers' perceptions significantly determine GAP adoption. Additionally, gender, education level, social background, and access to extension services were key factors. Notably, the results from the marginal treatment effect models show that adopting thinning and pruning practices increased cashew nut yields by 194 kg/ha and 195 kg/ha, respectively. These findings emphasize the need for policies prioritizing training programs and strengthening extension services to boost GAP adoption and improve farmers’ yield. Scaling up these initiatives can contribute to sustainable yield improvements in Côte d’Ivoire and the wider West African region.