Climate change is severely affecting cacao production in West Africa, primarily in Ivory Coast and Ghana, which account for 70% of global supply. Rising temperatures have led to reduced harvests and significant increases in cocoa prices. Researchers emphasize that these climate impacts jeopardize both crop quality and farmers’ livelihoods, necessitating urgent action to combat these threats.
Climate change has significantly impacted cacao production in West Africa, where temperatures have soared, adversely affecting chocolate supply. Researchers from Climate Central revealed that countries like Ivory Coast and Ghana, which constitute approximately 70 percent of global cacao production, are experiencing extreme temperatures that have led to reduced harvests and soaring cocoa prices. This trend has been exacerbated by heat, disease, and erratic rainfall patterns affecting farmers in the region.
A recent study indicated that increased heat, primarily due to global warming, has resulted in higher temperatures in cacao-growing regions. The research highlighted that over the last decade, climate change contributed an additional three weeks of excessive heat above 32 degrees Celsius during the critical growing season. Last year, which was recorded as the hottest globally, saw at least 42 days experiencing such extreme temperatures in two-thirds of the studied regions.
The detrimental impact of excessive heat on cacao trees is significant, potentially diminishing both the quality and quantity of cocoa harvests. Other challenges faced by farmers include insect infestations, changing rainfall patterns, and illegal activities such as smuggling and mining. Christian Aid has underscored the vulnerability of cacao farmers to climate abnormalities, pointing to reckless weather changes from severe rain to drought.
The recent struggles for cacao production have directly led to a sharp rise in cocoa prices, recently surpassing US$10,000 per tonne in New York, a stark increase from typical decades-long values averaging between US$2,000 and US$3,000 per tonne. As companies such as Lindt & Spruengli adapt by increasing prices to accommodate these rising costs, the implications for consumers and producers alike are becoming increasingly evident.
Experts like Narcisa Pricope, a professor, emphasized the severe threat posed by ongoing dry conditions, noting that over three-quarters of the Earth’s land has dried within the past 30 years. This situation is largely attributed to greenhouse gas emissions and detrimental land practices. Collective action to combat these conditions is vital to not only preserve chocolate production but also the Earth’s overall ecological integrity.
In conclusion, climate change poses a severe threat to cacao farming in West Africa, leading to increased temperatures, reduced harvests, and rising cocoa prices. As farmers grapple with these challenges, the broader implications for chocolate production and global consumption become amplified. Urgent attention and collective action are needed to address these climate issues, ensuring the sustainability of cacao crops and preserving livelihoods.
Original Source: www.straitstimes.com
