Agroforestry can improve cocoa farming by adding shade trees. These trees help keep soil moist and protect crops from heat. However, many cocoa farmers do not use this method.
Researchers found that only a small percentage of cocoa is grown with enough shade trees. This is surprising because shade trees can help the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Farmers worry that growing trees will lower their cocoa yields. They also do not always benefit from the trees because they often do not own the land.
Difficult words
- agroforestry — Farming method with trees and other plants.
- cocoa — A type of bean used to make chocolate.cocoa farming, cocoa is grown
- shade — Area that is darkened by something overhead.shade trees
- farmer — Person who grows crops or raises animals.farmers, cocoa farmers
- yield — Amount of crops produced from farming.yields
- environment — Natural world around us, including plants and animals.
- emissions — Gases sent into the air, often from factories.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How can agroforestry benefit farmers?
- What are the advantages of shade trees for crops?
- Why might some farmers not use shade trees?
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