Azra Hoosen | ah@radioislam.co.za
14 February 2025 | 16:50 CAT
2 min read

Chocolate may soon become more expensive—and harder to find. Climate change is hitting the global cocoa supply hard, particularly in West Africa, which produces 70% of the world’s cacao. Rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall, and the spread of crop diseases are reducing yields, sending prices soaring and endangering the livelihoods of small-scale farmers.

But this is not just about expensive chocolate; it is about the survival of an entire industry and the communities that depend on it. What does this mean for global food systems? And is there a way forward for both farmers and chocolate lovers?

Professor Jasper Knight, a climate change specialist from the University of the Witwatersrand, sheds light on the challenges facing cocoa production and the wider agricultural sector in an interview with Radio Islam International. According to Prof Knight, Cacao trees grow really well in hot, wet conditions. “You might think that increasing temperatures would actually be a good thing for these crops. But as temperatures rise, cacao trees slow down their growth and production. The optimal range for cocoa bean production is being pushed away,” he said.

As a result, global cocoa supply is shrinking at a time when demand remains high, driving prices to record levels. But West Africa is not the only region feeling the effects of climate change. “We are seeing similar challenges with other staple crops across the world—sorghum, wheat, rye—all of them have specific environmental conditions they thrive in. When these conditions shift, production suffers,” he said.

The problem goes beyond just temperature and rainfall. Climate change is also making crops more vulnerable to pests and diseases. However, Professor Knight notes that scientific advancements may offer solutions. “Through genetic modification, scientists can make staple food crops more resilient under climate change. This could be a game changer in ensuring food security.”

But science alone cannot solve the problem. There are other longstanding issues at play—deforestation, illegal mining, and unsustainable farming practices. Many of these problems are tied to economic and political factors, making them difficult to resolve through science alone. “The key is using scientific knowledge to inform policy. We know how to address these issues. The challenge is getting governments and industries to act,” he said.

Education and training are critical. While scientists work to develop more resilient crops, farmers need support to adopt better land management practices. But Professor Knight pointed out that there is often a disconnect between what scientists know and what policymakers choose to act on, stating that “Very often, governments do not really want to listen to scientists. We have the knowledge, but it does not always feed through into effective policies.”

For many small-scale cocoa farmers, climate change is just one of many challenges. Lack of investment and support from major corporations has left them vulnerable. The billion-dollar chocolate industry relies on these farmers for its raw materials, yet many producers continue to struggle with poverty and declining yields.

Are multinational companies stepping up to invest in the future of cocoa?

“The short answer is no,” says Professor Knight. “These global conglomerates exist to make money for their shareholders. They do not care about small-scale producers. There are lots of fine words, but they rarely translate into meaningful action,” he added. Furthermore, the deep ties between corporations and national governments create political barriers to real change. “Many of these conglomerates work hand in hand with governments, and political agendas often take priority over social responsibility,” he said.

As climate change accelerates, the future of chocolate—and many other crops—hangs in the balance. Solutions exist, but without the will to implement them, the challenges will only intensify. Professor Knight’s message is clear: the world must act now to protect both farmers and the future of chocolate. Otherwise, chocolate lovers everywhere may have to brace themselves for a bitter reality.

LISTEN to the full interview with Ml Junaid Kharsany and Professor Jasper Knight, from the University of the Witwatersrand who specialises in climate change impacts and geomorphology, here.