A recent peer-reviewed study has highlighted a lesser-known risk to cocoa production, emphasizing the impact of heavy rainfall over heat and drought on cocoa crops. The surge in cocoa prices in recent years, reaching around $6,000 per tonne, has been attributed to various factors, including heavy flooding in West Africa, the world’s largest cocoa-growing region.
The effects of extreme rainfall on cocoa production were emphasized in the study, which focused on Ghana, the second-largest cocoa producer globally. The excessive rainfall during critical growth stages, particularly flowering, was found to limit yields significantly due to damage to sensitive cocoa flowers and pods.
Moreover, the study highlighted the increasing intensity of heavy rain events during the wet season, attributed to the warming climate. While extreme rainfall poses a significant threat to cocoa production, other non-climactic risks such as aging trees and illegal activities like gold mining also impact cocoa farming.
Experts suggest interventions like fungicide use and improved drainage systems to mitigate the spread of fungal diseases due to heavy rain. Infrastructure investments and operational changes, such as centralized post-harvest processing and water reservoir construction, are proposed as potential solutions to address the challenges faced by cocoa farmers.
The study also raises concerns about the attractiveness of cocoa farming in West Africa due to climate shocks, potentially leading to a shift away from cocoa production. Companies like Nestlé have ventured into cocoa-free chocolate alternatives, reflecting a growing trend in the industry to create more resilient supply chains and reduce vulnerability to climate-related risks.
Despite the spike in cocoa prices, experts caution that the future of cocoa farming may face uncertainties, urging the need for sustainable practices to support smallholder farmers and ensure the resilience of the cocoa industry.