Ghana’s cocoa farmers are confronting severe production challenges due to climate change and pest-related issues. With a significant decline in yields over the past three years, cocoa prices have surged, impacting the chocolate industry and farmers’ livelihoods. As the country approaches elections, candidates’ promises to support agriculture and combat climate change are under scrutiny as farmers seek solutions to these pressing issues.
In Ghana, cocoa farmers are facing severe challenges due to climate change and pest infestations. Kate Buadu, a 75-year-old farmer from Oyoko, described how shifting weather patterns have led to significant crop failures, with farmers experiencing low yields and the spread of diseases like black pod and swollen shoot virus. The cocoa sector is vital for Ghana’s economy, providing jobs for over one million individuals and contributing more than 10% to the nation’s gross domestic product. However, the country’s cocoa production has plummeted to under 430,000 tons after three years of poor harvests, causing global cocoa prices to double and impacting the chocolate industry.
Ghana is the second-largest cocoa producer globally, responsible for a significant share of the world’s cocoa supply alongside Ivory Coast. The climate requirements of cocoa trees include stable temperatures and consistent rainfall, conditions that are increasingly compromised by climate change. The declining yields and rising production costs, exacerbated by inflation and limited access to agricultural resources, are making it difficult for farmers to sustain their livelihoods. As Ghana approaches a presidential election, cocoa farmers are keenly observing candidates’ commitments to addressing these pressing issues, including climate adaptation and sustainable farming practices. Furthermore, illegal activities such as mining are contributing to environmental challenges, threatening cocoa farming.
The ongoing cocoa crisis in Ghana highlights the urgent need for both government intervention and private sector support to address climate change and improve farming conditions. Farmers require immediate assistance in combating diseases and pests, as well as long-term investment in sustainable practices that protect the environment. As the nation prepares for elections, the future of the cocoa industry hinges on the candidates’ plans to support its farmers and address the broader challenges affecting agriculture in Ghana.
Original Source: theworld.org
