Jakarta – Cocoa prices have surged by 400% due to extreme weather, with climate change adding six extra weeks of temperatures above 32°C in 71% of cacao-growing regions in Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Cameroon, and Nigeria, according to a study by Christian Aid, February 12.
“Climate change, driven largely by the greenhouse gas emissions of the global north is causing havoc around the world with cocoa farmers bearing the brunt. We need to see emissions cut, and targeted climate finance going to cocoa growers to help them adapt,” Osai Ojigho, Director of Policy and Public Campaigns of Christian Aid, said.
“Chocolate is one of the many products that connects consumers in the global north with growers in the global south,” she said.
The cocoa crisis, exacerbated by heatwaves, floods, and droughts, has led to record-high cocoa prices, with a peak of USD 12,605 per ton in December 2024, affecting global chocolate manufacturers, including Nestlé and UK chocolatiers.
“Global cocoa production has been impacted for the about last four years due to a rapidly changing climate, and also El Niño and La Niña effects,” Andy Soden from Kernow Chocolate, said.
“For a small manufacturer, this has the potential to put us out of business long term as our wholesale price for 2025 is very close to passing our retail price of 2023. Such is the rapid inflation of the base price,” he said.
Cocoa farmers, especially in Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Guatemala, suffer devastating crop losses. Testimonies highlight the loss of livelihoods, rising food insecurity, and the impact of extreme weather on resilient crops like cocoa and bananas.
Amelia, 24, a cocoa grower in Guatemala, said: “My plantations have been dying due to the lack of water, and in terms of how its affecting me, there is no food for my family. The cocoa trees are dying, which are usually very resilient. I’m actually not worried that it ‘may’ happen (climate related crop loss) it’s happening already.”
Industry leaders and organisations, including Fairtrade and Christian Aid, call for urgent climate action, emissions reductions, and financial support for cocoa farmers to ensure sustainable production and fair trade practices. (nsh)
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