In the village of Aboude, located in southern Ivory Coast, Magne Akoua begins his day at 11 am by working on his cacao farm. At 65 years old, he moves slowly and carefully among the trees, avoiding the harsh sun. Akoua, who has been a farmer for over 40 years, explains the challenges of growing cacao, a delicate crop that requires precise conditions to thrive. Unfortunately, recent harvests have been poor due to the impact of the El Nino weather pattern and climate change.
The struggles of cacao farmers are exacerbated by the unequal market dynamics, where they face challenges in making ends meet while international chocolate companies profit from soaring prices. Farmers like Christian Kouassi are advocating for fair treatment and better representation in the cocoa value chain. The government recently increased the price of cocoa beans, aiming to support farmers during difficult times.
Despite efforts to stabilise prices and support farmers, challenges remain in the cocoa industry. Local exporters like Souleymane Fofana highlight the disparities between international companies and local economies, calling for a more inclusive and sustainable approach to the cacao trade. As the global chocolate market continues to grow, there is a need for reflection on how to ensure fair profits for all stakeholders in the cocoa industry.
Ultimately, the question of who benefits from the cacao trade remains at the forefront of discussions among farmers and industry players in Ivory Coast. As they continue to work tirelessly to cultivate the “brown gold,” they hope for a future where their efforts are recognised and rewarded fairly.