Researchers analysed cocoa farms in Brazil, Ghana and Indonesia and found that rising temperatures are already reducing cocoa production in key producing areas. The study reports that cocoa yields could fall by as much as 30 per cent in the warmest locations when compared with sites seven degrees cooler, and it notes that the species grows best within a narrow temperature window, with about 32 degrees Celsius near the optimum for growth.
One factor highlighted is pollination. The team argues that better pollination could substantially raise yields: improving pollination by hand may increase production by around 20 per cent. Teja Tscharntke, a co-author and agroecology professor, says it remains unknown which insect species deliver successful pollination and how their populations can be enhanced, so the authors propose innovation in effective hand pollination as a short-term measure.
Prantik Banerjee, an external researcher, describes insufficient pollination as a critical limit on cocoa production and suggests that addressing it could boost yields without expanding plantation area. He also stresses that effective pollination methods together with climate-resilient training could help farmers adapt, while rising temperatures could further threaten smallholder livelihoods where yields are already falling.
The study underlines wider sustainability concerns: growing demand has driven plantation expansion that can harm biodiversity. Researchers found that intermediate canopy cover, such as cover crops between cocoa trees, may reduce the negative effects of warmer temperatures. The authors call for more research on pollination, climate-change mitigation and climate-resilient varieties, and Banerjee urges governments to support sustainable farming practices to protect pollinators and soil.
Difficult words
- analyse — examine information carefully to understandanalysed
- yield — amount produced by a crop or farmyields
- pollination — transfer of pollen to allow plant reproductionhand pollination
- pollinator — insect or animal that moves pollen between flowerspollinators
- canopy cover — layer of leaves or plants over the ground
- sustainability — practice of meeting needs without harming the future
- biodiversity — variety of different living species in an area
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Which short-term and long-term measures described in the article could farmers use to adapt to rising temperatures? Explain your reasons.
- How could governments support sustainable farming practices to protect pollinators and soil in cocoa-producing regions? Give examples.
- Do you think hand pollination is a realistic solution for smallholders? Why or why not, and what alternatives could help?
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