This decline in production has had a direct impact on cocoa prices. Between July 2022 and February 2024, cocoa prices increased by 136%, reaching record highs of up to $10,000 per metric ton in March 2024. This price surge affects the entire supply chain, increasing costs for chocolate manufacturers and, ultimately, for consumers.

Communities dependent on cocoa farming are not the only ones affected; the tourism industry is also facing considerable challenges. Regions that have developed tourism offerings around cocoa—such as plantation tours, chocolate-making workshops, and cultural festivals—are seeing decreased interest due to lower production and deteriorating environmental conditions. Cocoa shortages and rising prices may deter tourists, negatively impacting local economies that rely on this form of tourism.

In Mexico, for example, cocoa production has declined sharply due to prolonged droughts and the migration of young people from rural areas to cities, leaving fewer workers to maintain plantations. This situation not only affects cocoa production but also undermines tourism initiatives aimed at promoting the region’s rich cocoa heritage.

To mitigate these effects, implementing sustainable and adaptive agricultural practices is crucial. Agroforestry, which integrates cocoa cultivation with shade-providing trees that help retain soil moisture, has proven effective in regions like Madagascar. This approach not only enhances the resilience of plantations to climate change but also enriches local biodiversity, creating more attractive environments for ecotourism.

Additionally, initiatives such as manual cocoa pollination have shown potential to triple yields and increase farmers' incomes. A study published in arXiv highlights that this technique could boost global cocoa supply by up to 13%, offering a viable solution to counteract climate-related losses.

Collaboration between governments, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector is essential to developing comprehensive strategies that address the climate and economic challenges facing cocoa-producing regions. This includes investments in agricultural research, training for farmers in resilient practices, and the promotion of policies that support environmental and economic sustainability.

In the tourism sector, diversifying offerings and promoting ecotourism could be effective strategies to maintain visitor interest. Highlighting the importance of environmental conservation and providing educational experiences on sustainable cocoa farming can attract a conscious audience committed to sustainability.