Côte d'Ivoire's cocoa at risk of major decline

Côte d'Ivoire, the world's top cocoa producer, could see a 20% drop in cocoa production by 2050 if no action is taken, according to government estimates. Cocoa is a vital part of the country's economy, contributing 15% to the GDP and supporting about five million people.

Climate change threatens cocoa production

Cocoa farming in Côte d'Ivoire is being harmed by climate change, which has caused unpredictable and less abundant rainfall and rising temperatures. These changes are making it harder for cocoa trees to thrive, reducing yields and threatening the livelihoods of farmers.

New cocoa varieties being tested for resilience

Scientists at the National Agronomic Research Center (CNRA) have developed 11 cocoa varieties that are more resistant to water stress. These varieties are currently being tested in greenhouses and on plantations, with the aim of eventually making them available for commercial use.

Farmers face real losses from climate impacts

Cocoa producers like Koffi Alexis Amani have suffered significant losses due to climate-related problems, including withered plantations and lower yields. Research efforts include cross-breeding different cocoa varieties and testing them under different levels of water stress to find resilient traits.

Rainfall decline affects cocoa growth

According to the Ivorian Ministry of the Environment, rainfall has been much lower since the 1980s. Cocoa trees now receive only about 1,100 mm of rain annually, far below the 1,200 to 2,000 mm they need. This has led to less flowering, fewer fruits, and poorer soil quality, affecting the health of cocoa trees.

Farmers try agroforestry to adapt

Some farmers are turning to agroforestry, growing other crops like cashew trees, iroko wood, and banana trees alongside cocoa. This method provides shade and better irrigation, potentially helping drought-resistant cocoa varieties last up to 25 years instead of just five to 10 years.

Future climate projections warn of worsening conditions

National climate projections show temperatures in Côte d'Ivoire could rise by 1.7°C to 3.7°C by 2080. In response, the government has announced the creation of a dedicated institute for cocoa and coffee research in Divo, aiming to focus on research to secure the future of the country's cocoa plantations.