Chocolate prices rise as climate change threatens cocoa harvest in West Africa
Climate Change Takes a Toll on Ghana’s Cocoa Farmers
For 66-year-old Daniel, being a cocoa farmer is in his blood. His family has been cultivating the crop for generations, and he’s never known it to be any other way. However, in recent years, the climate has started to take its toll on their livelihood.
"It’s like hell for us Coco farmers," Daniel says, shaking his head. "The yield has dropped drastically, and pests are everywhere. Ghana is the world’s second-largest cocoa producer, but the erratic rain is leading to crop rot and rampant deforestation is causing dramatic water loss in the soil."
According to experts, the changing weather patterns continue to have a negative impact on the cocoa supply. As a result, the price of cocoa has more than doubled since the start of 2024, making it more expensive for consumers in the US to buy chocolate.
To adapt to these challenges, farmers like Daniel are teaming up with non-profit organization Fair Trade to learn new climate-forward ways to farm. One innovative approach is using fruit-bearing trees to provide moisture and shade to the cocoa crop from excessive heat.
For Daniel, this new training is crucial to his livelihood, and he believes it’s not just about his family, but about the future of the industry.
"A better fall weather forecast and sustainable farming practices will help the cocoa supply rebound this season," he says. "But we all must do our part to mitigate climate change. The hope for a future depends on all of us. We cocoa farmers are the foundation – we have the skills, we have the know-how. If we all work together, we can find a way forward."
The Search for a Sustainable Solution
With the global demand for chocolate on the rise, the pressure is on farmers to produce more while reducing their environmental impact. Energy and resources are being poured into finding sustainable solution, but for farmers like Daniel, the clock is ticking.
"We are the backbone of the chocolate industry – the cocoa farmers are the ones who grow the raw material," Daniel emphasizes. "We are the ones who are directly affected by climate change. If something doesn’t change, the future looks grim. We need to come together and find a solution that works for everyone involved – farmers, chocolate manufacturers, and consumers alike."
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