Planning and implementing solutions to overcome storage challenges in cocoa bean warehousing: A case study
List of Authors
  • Abdul Rauf Abdul Rasam, Akmal Asyraaf Adlan, Muhammad Izwan Mohd Badrillah, Nur Farizan Tarudin

Keyword
  • Cocoa Beans, Challenges, Warehouse

Abstract
  • This paper addresses the significant problem of storage challenges in cocoa bean warehousing, particularly the infestation of cocoa beans by insects during cultivation, storage, and transportation. These challenges lead to spoilage, rejection of cargo, and financial losses. The study aims to identify the challenges faced by warehouses in the cocoa bean company, investigate the critical factors contributing to these challenges, and provide solutions to overcome them. The research is conducted at XYZ Company, involving employees from the logistic departments. The qualitative method is used to collect data through interviews with the company's employees. The study is crucial for XYZ Company as it helps identify and address warehouse challenges, ultimately improving the storage of cocoa beans. Furthermore, it contributes to educating stakeholders, including clients, about the industry's responsibility to the community. The findings of this research will have practical implications for the cocoa processing industry, aiding in the design of effective drying systems, the selection of suitable drying conditions, and the prediction of heat and mass transfer during the drying process of cocoa. Moreover, the study will help in enhancing the quality of cocoa beans, reducing the cost of the drying process, and improving the overall efficiency of the industry.

Reference
  • 1. Artavia Oreamuno, M.A. & Croppenstedt, A. (2023). Bottlenecks, stresses and risks in the cocoa supply chain in Ghana: recommendations to increase its resilience. FAO Commodity and Trade Policy Research Working Paper, No. 58. Rome, FAO. https://doi.org/10.4060/cc8649en

    2. Asante, E.B., (2014). Effect of Storage and Transportation Challenges of Lbcs On the Quality and Postharvest Losses of Cocoa Beans from Enchi A, Enchi B and Sefwi Wiawso Cocoa Districts in The Western Region of Ghana. Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana. pp.15-20, 43-51.

    3. Ayeduvor, S., Obeng, I.Y., & Adomanko, A. (2020). Understanding SPS Requirements for Ghana’s Exports to the EU Focus on Cocoa, Cashew and Tuna products. Geneva: CUTS International, Geneva.

    4. Delgado-Ospina J, Molina-Hernández JB, Chaves-López C, Romanazzi G, Paparella A. The Role of Fungi in the Cocoa Production Chain and the Challenge of Climate Change. J Fungi (Basel). 2021 Mar 10;7(3):202. doi: 10.3390/jof7030202. PMID: 33802148; PMCID: PMC7999002.

    5. Dianawati, Indrasti, N. S. & Djatna, T. (2021). A system analysis and design for ubiquitous material procurement control of cocoa-agroindustry. ITaMSA, IOP Conf. Series: Earth and Environmental Science 1063 (2022) 012055 IOP Publishing doi:10.1088/1755-1315/1063/1/012055.

    6. IS Department (2024). Quality Control. Retrieved from: https://qccgh.com/services/.

    7. Jonfia-Essien, W. A. (2012). Recent Developments In The Storage Of Dry Cocoa Beans In Ghana. Proc 9th. Int. Conf. on Controlled Atmosphere and Fumigation in Stored Products, Antalya, Turkey.

    8. Khazanah Research Institute, (2018). A Monograph of a Malaysian Cocoa Smallholder: Technical Report. Working paper 1/18 13 February 2018.

    9. Montagna, M. T., Diella, G., Triggiano, F. & Caponio, G. R. (2019). Chocolate, “Food of the Gods”: History, Science, and Human Health. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 16. 4960. 10.3390/ijerph16244960.

    10. NASDA Research Foundation (2014). National Pesticide Applicator Certification Core Manual: Second Edition 2014. National Association of State Departments of Agriculture Research Foundation.

    11. Nbabuine, K.A. (2012). Evaluating the Supply Chain of Ghana Cocoa from A Company Point of View. International Business. pp24-31.

    12. Panlibuton, H. & Lusby, F. (2006). United States Agency for International Development. Indonesia Cocoa Bean Value Chain Case Study.

    13. Prah, I. & Fanam, P. Z. (2019). Empirical Analysis of the Best Warehousing Practices and Its Impact on Cocoa Beans Quality: The Perspective of Cocoa Producers. Pelita Perkebunan 35 (3) 2019, 230—240. ISSN: 0215-0212 / e-ISSN: 2406-9574.

    14. Rusconi, M. & Conti, A. (2010). Theobroma cacao L., the Food of the Gods: A scientific approach beyond myths and claims. Pharmacological research : the official journal of the Italian Pharmacological Society. Doi 10.1016/j.phrs.2009.08.008.

    15. Sandra, B. (2012). Levels of Selected Pesticide Residues in Cocoa Beans from Ashanti And Brong Ahafo Regions of Ghana. Pp.9-13.

    16. Shepherd, A. and Farolfi S, (1999). Export Crop Liberalization in Africa: A Review. FAO Agricultural Services Bulletin, FAO, Rome. P.87

    17. Statista Research Department (2024). Export volume of cocoa beans from Malaysia from 2017 to 2023. Retrieved from : https://www.statista.com/statistics/1373209/malaysia-export-volume-of-cocoa-beans/

    18. Steijn, J. (2010). Guidelines on Best Known Practices in Cocoa Warehousing. Consultative Board on The World Cocoa Economy. pp2-4.

    19. Tettey, E., Jonfia-Essien, W.A. & Obeng-Ofori, D. (2014). The Impact of Insect Infestation on Stored Purpled Cocoa Beans. JENRM, Vol. 1, No. 3, pp176-181.

    20. The Cocoa Merchants’ Association of America, Inc, (2015). Warehouse Inspection Programme. pp.11-15.

    21. Zulfiandri, Z. (2023). Grand strategy for accelerating the development of the cocoa processing industry in Indonesia. International Journal of Science and Technology Research Archive 5(1):050-062. DOI:10.53771/ijstra.2023.5.1.0077