A study published in Communications Earth & Environment examined cocoa farms in Brazil, Ghana and Indonesia to identify the main causes of lower production and possible responses. The researchers found that cocoa yields could fall by as much as 30 per cent in the warmest areas when compared with sites that were seven degrees cooler. They note that cocoa grows best within a narrow temperature range and that 32 degrees Celsius is close to the species’ optimal temperature for growth.
Pollination emerged as a key factor. The study reports that improving pollination by hand could raise yields by about 20 per cent. Teja Tscharntke, a study author, said it is still unknown which insect species provide pollination success and that innovation in effective hand pollination could be a short-term response.
Prantik Banerjee, a researcher not involved in the study, said insufficient pollination is a critical factor limiting cocoa production and that addressing pollination could significantly boost yields without expanding plantation areas. The report also raises sustainability concerns: plantation expansion can harm biodiversity, while intermediate canopy cover, such as cover crops between trees, may reduce negative effects of warmer temperatures. Researchers call for more work on pollination, climate mitigation and climate-resilient cocoa varieties, and for government support of sustainable farming to protect pollinators and soil.
Difficult words
- pollination — Transfer of pollen so plants make fruit
- yield — Amount of crop produced by a farmyields
- optimal — Best or most suitable for growth or use
- biodiversity — Variety of different living species in an area
- canopy cover — Leaf and branch layer above the ground
- sustainability — Use of resources without long-term harm
- mitigation — Actions that reduce harmful effects
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Discussion questions
- Do you think hand pollination is a practical solution for many farms? Why or why not?
- What actions could local governments take to support sustainable farming and protect pollinators?
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