Adaptive capacity of cocoa smallholders towards Cocoa Pod Borer (CPB) infestation / Nur Amirah Alias

Adaptive capacity refers to the conditions that enable people to anticipate and respond to change, and recover from and minimize the consequences of change. As we know, cocoa is subjected with pest and diseases, Cocoa Pod Borer is the major pest in cocoa cultivation. A survey was conducted among cocoa smallholders about adaptive capacity of cocoa smallholders towards CPB infestation at Felda Trolak, Perak through random sampling technique. By referring Raosoft calculator sampling, out of 102 population of cocoa smallholders, 82 was subjected as sample size. Thus, the problems faced by the smallholders were reduction of cocoa quality, implementation of traditional practices also the relationship between MCB with the cocoa smallholders. This study were to identify the practice implemented by the cocoa smallholders, the factors also the relationships between the factors and adaptive capacity. In the meantime, Theory Planned Behavior (TPB) act the conceptual framework for the study. It resulted, most of the cocoa smallholders applied pesticide to adapt with CPB infestation. From factor analysis, knowledge, attitude, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control were identified. Furthermore, attitude and subjective norms have moderate relationship with adaptive capacity from correlation analysis. In conclusion, the smallholders need to take adaptation towards CPB infestation slowly from time to time to ensure the continuity of cocoa cultivation in Malaysia.