EFFECT OF GROUP DYNAMICS ON TEAMWORK TECHNICAL EFFICIENCY IN AGRICULTURE: CASE OF A COCOA FARMERS ORGANIZATION IN BIWONG-BULU, SOUTH REGION OF CAMEROON

Abstract

This study examined the extent to which certain group dynamics factors influence the technical efficiency of working units. This is approached through an evaluation of a Research Institute led-project in collaboration with a farmer organization that is attempting to increase smallholder cocoa farmers’ performances through teamwork-oriented training. A two-stage sampling procedure was adopted to select a sample size of 6 working units and 80 respondents. A questionnaire and focus group discussions were used for data collection. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and econometrics models. Results from the study showed that the more working unit members were educated and lived close to the place of work, higher is their intensity of participation in teamwork activities. The technical efficiency of working units was driven by multiple group dynamics factors such as, leadership, communication, and group cohesion. Under a democratic leadership, respondents were likely to be more efficient in their tasks. Working units where members frequently interact, communicate and exchange information are likely to be more effective. The cohesiveness in a group favors transparency, encourages participation, and guarantees commitment and cooperation among members. Teamwork can be a promising pathway to enhance the dissemination of knowledge in the new pioneer fronts of cocoa in Cameroon if  good group dynamics are ensured. This paper recommended that stakeholders should include leadership, members’ communication, and group cohesion in their training curriculum, instead of focusing only on technical and agronomic aspects.