Ivory Coast's mid-crop cocoa output expected to drop around 40% due to long drought, exporters say

Cocoa production in Ivory Coast is projected to decline by approximately 40% during the mid-crop season, primarily due to an extended period of drought, according to exporters. The country, a leading cocoa producer, has faced significant weather challenges that have adversely affected the vital crop's yield. Reports indicate that farmers are struggling with dry conditions, which have hindered the growth and development of cocoa pods.

This anticipated drop in output raises concerns about the livelihoods of many farmers who depend heavily on cocoa cultivation for their income. The prolonged lack of rainfall is expected to not only impact local economies but also influence global cocoa prices. As Ivory Coast grapples with these environmental challenges, stakeholders are closely monitoring the situation, hoping for improved weather conditions in the coming weeks.

The decline in mid-crop production underscores the vulnerabilities within agricultural sectors reliant on consistent climate patterns and highlights the urgent need for adaptive strategies to mitigate climate-related impacts on food security and economic stability in the region.