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Hand Pollination Helps Cocoa Farmers Offset Climate Harm — a cocoa pod hanging from a tree branch

Hand Pollination Helps Cocoa Farmers Offset Climate HarmCEFR B1

4 Mar 2025

Adapted from Sanjeet Bagcchi, SciDev CC BY 2.0

Photo by Shino Nakamura, Unsplash

AI-assisted adaptation of the original article, simplified for language learners.

Cocoa farming is facing significant challenges due to climate change. Researchers discovered that rising temperatures can lead to a potential 30% decline in cocoa yields, particularly in warmer regions. Hand pollination has emerged as a promising solution to improve these yields by as much as 20%. This technique may help farmers adapt to changing environmental conditions without expanding plantation areas.

Experts emphasize the need for better pollination methods and support for farmers through climate-resilient agricultural practices. Maintaining biodiversity and using native plant species can offer solutions for sustainable cocoa farming.

Governments are encouraged to promote better farming practices to enhance pollinator habitats and protect cocoa crops from the negative effects of climate change.

Difficult words

  • yieldAmount produced from farming or crops.
    yields
  • pollinationProcess of transferring pollen to plants.
    pollinator
  • biodiversityVariety of life in a particular area.
  • sustainableAble to be maintained without harming.
  • adaptChange to fit new conditions.
  • encourageTo give support or confidence.
    encouraged

Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.

Discussion questions

  • How can farmers adapt to climate change in other crops?
  • What role do governments play in protecting farmers?
  • In what ways can biodiversity benefit agriculture?

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