Promoting Sustainable Cocoa Production in West and Central Africa
Enhancing Sustainability in Cocoa Supply Chains
In West and Central Africa, efforts to improve the social and environmental sustainability of cocoa production often lack coordination despite their interconnected objectives. Our work aimed to support a more integrated approach by analyzing the relationship between biodiversity and wellbeing in cocoa production landscapes. An example of this is a recently published study on identifying areas where biodiversity is at risk from potential cocoa expansion in the Congo Basin. Our analysis was based on field data collection in Cameroon and addressed both biodiversity and social impacts of cocoa production and trade.
Understanding Biodiversity and Social Impacts
Our research provided valuable insights into the social impacts of cocoa trade (Schaafsma et al. 2022 and Schaafsma et al. 2023). A paper co-produced with Wageningen University’s CocoaSoils project (Maney et al., 2022) modelled the impacts of cocoa-related land use on biodiversity, emphasizing the significance of land use history. This study, along with further analysis on specific practices in cocoa, contributed to a project with Nestlé and Ofi, that focused on developing indicators for regenerative agriculture, including biodiversity, Green House Gas (GHG) emissions and soil health. In another project, we identified areas in the Congo Basin where biodiversity is at risk from potential expansion of cocoa (Kamath et al, in press).
Biodiversity-Mediated Ecosystem Services
We have looked at the potential risks and opportunities for cocoa development in the Congo Basin (Ngouhouo-Poufoun, 2024) by building on similar studies in West Africa (Sassen et al., 2022). We also contributed to mapping agroforestry potential in Ghana's cocoa-growing areas to support climate adaptation and mitigation activities (UNEP-WCMC, 2022). These studies helped to frame discussions on cocoa benefits and impacts in Cameroon, Ivory Coast and, more broadly, in West Africa and the Congo Basin.
Dissemination and Local Engagement
Our findings on modelling biodiversity in agroforestry systems (Maney et al., 2021) were presented at major forums such as the World Biodiversity Forum and the International Symposium for Cocoa Research. Workshops in Cameroon facilitated discussions with local actors involved in the cocoa trade. This helped to identify sustainable pathways and further research needs to enhance sustainability outcomes.
Interactive Game for Cocoa Supply Chain Challenges
We developed an interactive game to explore the challenges and opportunities in the cocoa supply chain, akin to our oil palm game. The cocoa game examines the impact of policies like the EUDR on social, economic, and environmental indicators, and explores alternative sustainable pathways for cocoa production. It also helps stakeholders experience the cocoa production system, identify bottlenecks and discover collective solutions through transparent communication. The game highlights power asymmetries, giving voice to typically marginalized actors. A cocoa producer remarked, "this game finally shows [the] reality of us farmers."
Through these initiatives, we are advancing sustainable practices in cocoa production, influencing policy, supporting local farmers, and promoting biodiversity conservation across West and Central Africa.