Theobroma cacao L., Source of Livelihood for Millions of Smallholder Farmers in Ghana and Togo Need to be Rescued from Drought

Abstract

Drought poses a significant and growing threat to cocoa production compromising the livelihoods of thousands of people. Evidence from the study shows that:  Drought occurrence is evident and constitutes a key challenge for cocoa production in the study area  Cocoa is vulnerable to drought, showing a considerable impact of drought on more than 50 % of the study area; and  The short-term drought has a negative contribution in the cocoa yield decline. If left unaddressed:  The continued impact of drought could render cocoa farming, leading to unsustainable land use and economic instability.  Significant socioeconomic and environmental challenges will persist as cocoa production may not be able to meet the increased demand globally.  Furthermore, the sustainability of cocoa farms may be compromised by extended droughts, pests and diseases, and existing socio-economic and governance challenges which may result in cocoa disappearance. This policy emphasizes on:  The necessity of immediate investments in developing and promoting drought adaptive strategies along the cocoa value chain.  Drought-tolerant cocoa varieties, Water management techniques, optimized agroforestry practices, crop diversification, and financial incentives integration into policy are highly encouraged. The implementation of these measures will not only support cocoa yields and livelihoods but also guarantee the economic resilience of cocoa farming communities and countries. Addressing drought challenges specifically helps in achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13 (climate action) and also aligns with the SDGs 15 (Life on Land), 1(No poverty), and 5 (Gender equality).