Climate Crisis: How Rising Temperatures Threaten Africa’s Cocoa Production and the Future of Chocolate

Climate change is impacting many aspects of life, including trade and agriculture. In West Africa, the effects are particularly harsh on cocoa production, which is essential for chocolate. Last year, the region faced extreme heat that harmed crops, leading to higher cocoa prices.

West Africa produces about 70% of the world’s cacao. Farmers there have dealt with rising temperatures, diseases, and irregular rainfall, all of which decrease production. These challenges have made cocoa prices soar. Cocoa comes from cacao tree beans and is the main ingredient in chocolate.

A report from Climate Central highlights how climate change, mainly from fossil fuel use, has increased temperatures in countries like Ivory Coast and Ghana, the top cacao producers. These nations have experienced more days with temperatures over 32°C (89.6°F), which is too high for healthy cacao growth.

Over the last decade, farmers in Ivory Coast and Ghana have faced an extra three weeks of heat above this threshold during the growing season from October to March. Last year, temperatures surpassed 32°C on at least 42 days in many areas, affecting both the quantity and quality of the cacao harvest.

Other issues, like pest infestations and changes in rainfall, also threaten cacao trees. A report from Christian Aid emphasizes the vulnerabilities cocoa farmers face due to climate change. The organization noted that West Africa has fluctuated between excessive rain and drought, creating unstable conditions for crops.

The charity pointed out that many of the world’s poorest people rely on cocoa farming for their livelihoods, and climate change poses a serious risk to this essential source of income.

Since late 2023, cocoa prices have skyrocketed on international markets. In New York, cocoa prices reached over $10,000 a tonne, a drastic increase from their usual range of $2,000 to $3,000 a tonne. Swiss chocolate maker Lindt & Spruengli announced it would raise prices to cope with rising cocoa costs.

Experts warn that cacao farming is at an “existential threat” due to dry conditions in growing regions. More than three-quarters of the Earth’s land has become drier in the past 30 years, driven by greenhouse gas emissions and harmful land practices. Collective efforts are needed to combat these issues, not just to save chocolate but also to protect our planet’s ability to sustain life.