Climate change threatens cocoa production and associated tourism

18-02-25

Climate change is exerting unprecedented pressure on global cocoa production, affecting not only chocolate availability but also significantly impacting the tourism industry in regions that offer cocoa-related experiences. Destinations in West Africa, Latin America, and other cocoa-producing areas are seeing their local economies and tourism offerings compromised due to climate disruptions.

Over the past decade, major cocoa-producing regions, particularly in West Africa, have experienced a notable increase in maximum daily temperatures, frequently surpassing 32 degrees Celsius—the optimal threshold for cocoa cultivation. This temperature rise has led to a reduction in both the quality and quantity of cocoa harvests. According to an analysis by Climate Central, climate change has added approximately 40 extra days per year with temperatures exceeding 32 degrees in countries like Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana, which together account for more than half of the world’s cocoa production.

In addition to extreme heat, changes in rainfall patterns are negatively impacting cocoa plantations. Cocoa thrives in conditions where annual rainfall ranges between 1,500 and 2,000 millimeters, with no prolonged dry periods. However, rainfall irregularities have led to both droughts, which stress the plants, and floods, which foster diseases such as moniliasis and pod rot, further reducing production.

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.

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