Cocoa farmers across Ivory Coast reported no rainfall last week, raising concerns over the mid-crop’s growth from March to August.
The West African nation, the world’s largest cocoa producer, is in its rainy season, which officially runs from April through mid-November.
Rains are usually abundant during this period, nourishing pods at various stages, but farmers said dry skies have left soils parched and crops struggling.
Harvesting, currently modest, is expected to increase from next month, contingent on timely rainfall to sustain pod development and tree health.
Jean Akou, a farmer near Soubre in the west, said last week’s zero rainfall fell 18.9 mm below the five-year average.
Similar conditions were reported in Agboville and Divo in the south, and Abengourou in the east, where precipitation remained below average.
In Daloa, Bongouanou, and Yamoussoukro, farmers said soil moisture is reaching levels unsuitable for cultivation, threatening both growth and upcoming harvests.
Arsene Kan, a farmer near Daloa, warned, “We need rain. The ground is getting drier and drier,” reflecting the urgency of weather conditions.
Weekly average temperatures across the country ranged from 28.7 to 32.7 degrees Celsius, intensifying moisture stress on cocoa farms.
Farmers now watch the skies anxiously, hoping April rains arrive to sustain Ivory Coast’s critical cocoa industry and global supply chains.