Farmers across Ivory Coast, the world's top cocoa producer, are celebrating an unexpected turn of weather that could significantly enhance their upcoming harvest. Last week, light rains fell across key cocoa-growing regions, providing a crucial boost during what is typically the official dry season.
Unseasonal Rains Bring Hope
Despite the West African nation's dry season usually running from mid-November to March, above-average precipitation has been welcomed by growers. This moisture is supporting the development of numerous small pods already on trees, with cocoa plants showing no signs of stress. Farmers anticipate that these conditions will bolster the vital April-to-September mid-crop.
Regional Rainfall Variations
The rains were not uniform across all areas. In the central region of Yamoussoukro, 14.5 mm fell last week, 7.9 mm above the five-year average. Romain Koua, a farmer near Yamoussoukro, expressed optimism, stating, "The trees are doing well. Starting in May, we will have enough cocoa."
Similarly, farmers in Bongouanou saw above-average rains, while those in Daloa experienced below-average precipitation. In Soubre and Divo, rains were below average, whereas Agboville and Abengourou recorded above-average rainfall. Dominique N'Takpe, farming near Agboville where 22.8 mm fell last week (14.5 mm above average), noted, "Many small pods are growing larger. We hope that the beans will be large."
Mid-Crop Prospects
Growers are hopeful that consistent weekly rainfall through mid-March could lead to a mid-crop harvest surpassing last season's output. Overall, conditions are currently considered more favourable than those of the previous season. Farmers expect a tepid start to harvesting in April, with a gradual increase from May through September.
The weekly average temperature ranged from 27.9 to 31.7 degrees Celsius, further supporting crop development.
Challenges Amidst Optimism
This positive weather news comes against a backdrop of significant challenges for Ivory Coast's cocoa sector. Global prices have plunged in recent months, slowing exports since October and causing unsold stocks to accumulate.
Synapci, the country's main cocoa farmers' union, estimates that 700,000 tons of cocoa remain unsold and unpaid. Some farmers, deprived of income for nearly two months, have been forced to sell their stock at a discount or destroy rotten cocoa, plunging them into severe hardship.
In response, the Ivory Coast government has announced plans to buy unsold cocoa stocks to keep exports flowing and ensure farmers are paid. This intervention aims to mitigate the crisis while farmers look to the promising mid-crop for relief.
The combination of unseasonal rains and government support offers a glimmer of hope for Ivory Coast's cocoa growers, who are navigating both natural and market uncertainties to sustain their livelihoods and the nation's leading position in global cocoa production.
