Researchers are calling for a significant change in Ghana’s cocoa policy. They warn that climate change is increasingly hurting the health, well-being, and productivity of cocoa farmers. This impact extends beyond the cocoa trees they grow.
This call came during a Research and Policy Breakfast in Accra. Experts from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and other institutions presented their findings. Their study, titled “Towards a Cocoa Producer-Focused Climate Policy in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana,” emphasizes the need to focus on farmers. Current climate efforts mainly target cocoa production, not the people who farm it.
This situation fits into Ghana's broader economic story, where the cocoa sector faces declining output. National cocoa production has fallen from a typical 800,000 tonnes to about 600,000 tonnes in recent years. This drop happened despite government investments in programs like mass spraying and rehabilitation projects. The researchers' findings suggest that climate change is making these efforts less effective. It also weakens the impact of price support measures, such as the Living Income Differential.
Albert Arhin, who presented the findings, stated that climate change is eroding the human foundations of cocoa production. He highlighted that past discussions focused on yields, pests, diseases, and deforestation. Mr. Arhin said: “Our findings suggest that climate change is also affecting farmer health, labour productivity, and adaptive capacity. The biggest climate threat to cocoa may no longer be the cocoa tree alone, but the cocoa producer.” The study included cocoa-growing communities in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire.
The study found that farmers are struggling with rising temperatures and long droughts. They also face unpredictable rainfall, lower yields, and higher production costs. Many farmers work fewer hours due to extreme heat and tiredness. Some farmers expressed worry about the future of cocoa farming. Others have even thought about quitting cocoa farming completely. This indicates a deep-seated problem in the sector.
To address these issues, the policy brief proposes an eight-point plan. This plan aims to build a cocoa-producer-focused climate policy. Recommendations include moving from yield-centred help to producer-centred resilience. It also calls for more investment in climate adaptation and water management. Greater attention to farmer health and well-being is also crucial. Increased adaptation financing and stronger farmer involvement in decisions are also part of the plan. Integrating cocoa resilience into wider national development plans is essential. These steps could help secure the future of Ghana’s cocoa industry.
The researchers stressed that protecting those who produce cocoa is vital for safeguarding cocoa production. Dr. Arhin emphasized: “A climate-resilient cocoa sector cannot be achieved without climate-resilient cocoa farmers.” The study was supported by the Harvard University Centre for African Studies. Decision-makers and markets will watch for how Ghana adapts its cocoa policies. This is to protect both its farmers and its crucial cocoa exports.