Zagré Baouda Somdé, an experienced cocoa producer from Burkina Faso, has been cultivating cocoa in Djapadji, a locality in the southwest of Côte d'Ivoire, for over 40 years. His plantation spans around 9 to 10 hectares. A decade ago, he began noticing changes in the local climate, which have had a significant impact on his farming practices and yields. In the past, the rainy and dry seasons followed a more predictable pattern, but now dry periods have become longer and more intense, while rainfall has become irregular and harder to forecast. These shifts have made it more difficult to grow cocoa, as the trees are now more exposed to sunlight and prolonged droughts. As a result, Somdé's annual cocoa output has dropped from about 5 to 6 tonnes to 3 to 4 tonnes. In response to these challenges, Somdé started implementing new strategies to adapt his farming practices. Beginning in 2019, he introduced forest trees into his plantation as part of initiatives designed to help cocoa producers cope with climate change. Over the past six years, species such as kolatiers and baobabs have begun to grow among his cocoa trees. These trees provide shade, which helps protect the cocoa plants from excessive sunlight and heat, while their fallen leaves contribute to the soil, improving its fertility and moisture retention. The introduction of these forest trees has had a positive effect on the microclimate of Somdé’s plantation. The shade reduces the stress on cocoa plants, helping them to grow more steadily and produce better yields. The organic matter from the fallen leaves also enriches the soil, making it more resilient to the unpredictable weather patterns. This approach reflects a broader movement among cocoa farmers in Côte d'Ivoire and other West African countries, where traditional farming methods are being adapted to address the challenges posed by climate change. Cocoa is a vital crop in Côte d'Ivoire, which is one of the world's largest producers of cocoa beans. The sector supports millions of people, but it is increasingly vulnerable to environmental changes. Farmers like Somdé are experimenting with agroforestry techniques—integrating trees into agricultural landscapes—to sustain production while also protecting the environment. These efforts not only aim to improve yields but also to ensure the long-term viability of cocoa farming in the region.