Ghana and its neighbor Côte d'Ivoire are facing growing pressure from the European Union (EU) and French development partners to accelerate overdue reforms in their cocoa sectors. The warnings come amidst concerns that both countries could lose their competitiveness in the global market as emerging sustainability standards gain traction.
The call for reform was made during the Cocoa4Future feedback workshop held in Accra, a two-day event where researchers shared findings from a five-year EU- and AFD-funded project. This project examined various aspects of the cocoa sector, including agroforestry practices, disease control, certification schemes, farmer livelihoods, and climate resilience in both Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire.
EU officials were clear in their message: unless progress is made in adopting agroforestry, curbing deforestation, and addressing labor-related risks, West African cocoa could face significant barriers under new European sustainability regulations and stricter buyer demands.
The research findings highlighted vulnerabilities within the sector and outlined potential pathways for reform. It was revealed that many farmers continue to favor low- or no-shade cocoa farming systems, which may offer short-term yield benefits but jeopardize ecological resilience and long-term productivity. Researchers warned that this farming approach undermines forest regeneration and leaves cocoa landscapes increasingly susceptible to the effects of climate change.
In terms of disease management, Cocoa Swollen Shoot Virus Disease (CSSVD) remains widespread, reducing yields by as much as 202 kg per hectare on severely affected farms. Current farmer-led control methods, such as pruning or chemical treatments, have proven largely ineffective in mitigating the impact of the disease. Researchers recommended scaling up rehabilitation efforts, expanding the production of CSSVD-resistant seedlings, and enhancing technical training for early detection and management.
Regarding certification, studies found that Fairtrade and Organic certification schemes positively impact yields, incomes, and job creation. However, the benefits for broader food security and working conditions remain uneven across the sector. Experts emphasized the need for stronger cooperatives, expanded extension services, affordable credit access, and more diversified buyer networks to improve the overall effectiveness of these certification schemes.
Across all themes, the researchers' recommendations were consistent: the governments of Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire must increase input distribution, clarify tree tenure rights, promote hybrid cocoa varieties, incentivize agroforestry adoption, and formalize support systems for farmer livelihoods. This should include better access to pensions, credit, and modern farming equipment.
Development partners underscored that these evidence-based measures are vital as the global market increasingly shifts toward traceable, climate-resilient, and ethically sourced cocoa. Failure to implement these reforms could see Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire falling behind on global cocoa sustainability standards, further jeopardizing their market share.
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