EU warns Ghana and Côte D’ivoire to Speed Cocoa Reforms
The European Union (EU) and its French development partners are warning Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire to move faster on long-awaited reforms in the cocoa sector. They caution that both countries could lose their strong position on the world cocoa market if they do not meet new global sustainability standards.
The warning was issued at a two-day Cocoa4Future workshop in Accra. The meeting presented the results of a five-year research project funded by the EU and the French Development Agency (AFD). The study examined key issues such as agroforestry practices, cocoa diseases, certification systems, farmer welfare, and climate resilience.
EU officials said Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire must take urgent action. They emphasised that global cocoa buyers are now demanding environmentally friendly, traceable, and responsibly produced cocoa. They added that without changes such as reducing deforestation, increasing agroforestry, and addressing child labour risks, West African cocoa may face serious barriers in the European market.
One of the major findings was that many farmers still prefer growing cocoa under little or no shade. While this method increases short-term yields, it weakens the land, destroys forest cover, and makes the farms more vulnerable to climate change.
The research also highlighted the dangers of Cocoa Swollen Shoot Disease (CSSVD), which continues to spread widely. In badly affected farms, the disease can cut yields by more than 200 kilograms per hectare. Many farmers try to manage the disease themselves, but methods like pruning or spraying chemicals do not work well. Researchers called for stronger rehabilitation programs, more disease-resistant seedlings, and better farmer training for early detection.
Certification programs such as Fairtrade and Organic were found to increase incomes, boost yields, and support job creation. However, researchers said the benefits are uneven. Some farmers still struggle with food security, poor working conditions, and weak access to support services.
To fix these problems, the study recommended stronger cooperatives, better extension services, easier access to credit, and a wider network of buyers. It also encouraged governments to improve input supply, secure tree ownership rights for farmers, promote hybrid varieties, and support agroforestry through incentives.
Development partners concluded that global cocoa demand is changing rapidly. Companies and consumers now prefer cocoa that is sustainable, climate-friendly, and ethically produced. They warned that Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire must act quickly or risk losing their dominance in the international cocoa industry.
