Land type drives pest infestation patterns in smallholder cocoa agroecosystems

Pest infestation remains a major constraint in smallholder cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) production, particularly in tropical agroecosystems where environmental heterogeneity can influence pest dynamics. However, the role of land type in shaping pest infestation patterns under field conditions is still insufficiently understood. This study examined how land type influences pest infestation patterns in smallholder cocoa agroecosystems. Observations were conducted across three land types, including sloping, flat, and shaded areas, in a farmer-managed cocoa plantation. A total of 265 cocoa pods were evaluated across three observation periods, and infestation was assessed based on visible damage and pest presence. The results showed that pest infestation differed across land types, with higher infestation rates observed in sloping and shaded areas (approximately 43–44%) compared to flat land (approximately 29%). Statistical analysis indicated a weak association between land type and infestation level, while pairwise comparison revealed significantly lower infestation in flat areas. These findings suggest that land type contributes to shaping pest infestation dynamics, likely through differences in microenvironmental conditions such as moisture, canopy cover, and habitat suitability. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating land characteristics into site-specific pest management strategies in tropical cocoa agroecosystems.