Farmers in Ivory Coast are growing increasingly concerned about a potential cocoa shortage as the dry season stretches across the nation’s key growing regions.
The world’s leading cocoa producer has seen minimal rainfall in recent weeks, triggering fears that the upcoming mid-crop, set to start in April, could be delayed.
Farmers explained that this year’s dry season, running from mid-November to March, has brought hotter temperatures and drier conditions compared to previous years.
As a result, they fear that beans of poor quality will dominate the harvest, as soil moisture has been insufficient and leaves are drying up on cocoa trees.
“If plantations don’t receive two substantial rains before February ends, the mid-crop will likely begin slowly, leading to a possible shortage,” warned farmers.
Reports from the central region of Daloa described severe dryness. The area received no rain last week, 5.5 millimeters below the usual five-year average.
The situation mirrors other regions, including Bongouanou and Yamoussoukro, where minimal rainfall has been recorded. However, the southern region of Agboville experienced rainfall above average, offering some hope for local farmers.
One farmer, Andre Kokola from Agboville, expressed cautious optimism: “Overall, it’s going well. We’re not worried at the moment,” he said.
In contrast, farmers in the west and central regions remain anxious about the health of their crops. As heat continues to parch the land, signs of distress are becoming more apparent on cocoa trees.
Experts emphasize that rainfall over the next few weeks will be critical in determining whether the mid-crop can recover or whether a shortage of cocoa beans is inevitable.