Ivory Coast Cocoa Farmers Fear Dry Weather Could Affect Main Crop

Farmers in Ivory Coast’s key cocoa-growing regions have raised concerns about inadequate rainfall and increased heat, which they say could negatively impact the development of the October-to-March main crop. The world’s largest cocoa producer is currently in its dry season, which lasts from mid-November to March and is characterized by limited rainfall.

Reports from farmers across most cocoa-producing regions indicate that only the western region of Soubre experienced above-average rainfall, while Abgoville in the south recorded slightly below-average rainfall. Farmers in other areas fear the prevailing weather conditions could damage small pods expected to be harvested in February and March.

Growers in the central regions predict that cocoa bean quality will decline by February due to the ongoing dry conditions. Compounding the issue is the presence of the Harmattan wind, which typically blows in from the Sahara Desert between December and March. Farmers noted that the wind’s intensity fluctuated last week, alternating between strong and mild gusts.

The Harmattan wind is notorious for its drying effect on soil and reduction of humidity, which can cause cocoa pods to shrink and lower overall yields. Farmers have also voiced concerns that prolonged exposure to these conditions could further affect bean quality, making it more difficult to meet export standards.

This weather-related challenge comes amid a broader context of issues facing the cocoa industry, including crop diseases and limited access to fertilizers. These factors have historically contributed to supply shortages, which in turn have led to fluctuations in global cocoa prices. Recently, fears of reduced supply from West Africa have driven cocoa prices higher on the international market.

Although farmers reported that, so far, no significant damage has been done to the plantations, uncertainty remains as the dry season continues. Authorities and industry stakeholders are closely monitoring the situation, as any further deterioration in weather conditions could have a lasting impact on cocoa production in the world’s leading cocoa-producing nation.