West Africa’s Cocoa farmers under threat from climate change

Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire have long been key cocoa producing regions in the world, but this will be challenged in the years ahead, as the climate of Sub-Saharan Africa changes.Over half the world’s chocolate comes from the region, but temperatures could increase by one degree by 2030 and two degrees by 2050, making the growing of cocoa much more difficult.

Not only will temperatures increase, precipitation is likely to decline as well, with longer, harsher dry seasons dominating. Production is likely to decline as early as 2030 as a result, with prices likely to rise sharply.

Dr Peter Laderach from the International Centre for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) says “Many of these farmers use their cocoa trees like ATM machines. They pick some pods and sell them to quickly raise cash for school fees or medical expenses. The trees play an absolutely critical role in rural life.”

There are some measures growers can take to alleviate the problem. For example, new trees should be planted in shady areas, while some farmers could relocate to higher elevations where it is cooler. Unfortunately this higher land is likely to be forested and even protected land. Diversification is also a possibility, with alternative crops including orange, palm oil or cashew.

Reverting to crops like potatoes and beans would badly effect the environment, removing the soil preserving cocoa trees and canopies useful for wildlife.

The problem is already being seen in Uganda, where coffee producers are experiencing flash floods and extreme heat that brings with it pests and diseases. We already know that climate change affects the least able to adapt and cocoa producers are often small scale poor farmers.