Climate Change Threatens Cocoa Production in West and Central Africa
| Summary/Static | Details |
|---|---|
| Why in the news? | Cocoa Crisis: Study Warns of 50% Land Loss in West, Central Africa by 2050 |
| Factor | Impact on Cocoa Production |
| Affected Countries | Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon |
| Global Cocoa Supply | Over 70% of the world's cocoa comes from West and Central Africa |
| Yield Decline by 2050 | Ivory Coast & Ghana (-12%), Nigeria (-10%), Cameroon (-2%) |
| Climate Change Effects | Rising temperatures, shifting rainfall patterns, reduced suitable areas |
| Predicted Shift | Cocoa-growing areas may move eastward to Nigeria and Cameroon |
| Deforestation Risk | Cocoa expansion may threaten forests in Cameroon |
| Research Gaps | CO2 impact on yield, changes in pests/diseases, mitigation strategies |
| Climate Requirements | 15°-39°C temperature, 1500-2000 mm rainfall |
| Soil Preference | Deep, well-drained clay loam and sandy loam (pH 6.5-7.0) |
| Shade Requirement | 50% filtered light |
| Major Global Producers | Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon |
| Indian Production | Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu (intercropped with Arecanut and Coconut) |
| Study Methodology | CASEJ mechanistic cocoa crop model used for simulations |