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Azra Hoosen | ah@radioislam.co.za
\n<\/u>14 February 2025 | 16:50 CAT
\n2 min read<\/p>\n
Chocolate may soon become more expensive\u2014and harder to find. Climate change is hitting the global cocoa supply hard, particularly in West Africa, which produces 70% of the world\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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?<\/p>\n
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. \u201cYou 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,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
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. \u201cWe are seeing similar challenges with other staple crops across the world\u2014sorghum, wheat, rye\u2014all of them have specific environmental conditions they thrive in. When these conditions shift, production suffers,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
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. \u201cThrough genetic modification, scientists can make staple food crops more resilient under climate change. This could be a game changer in ensuring food security.\u201d<\/p>\n
But science alone cannot solve the problem. There are other longstanding issues at play\u2014deforestation, 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. \u201cThe key is using scientific knowledge to inform policy. We know how to address these issues. The challenge is getting governments and industries to act,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
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, <\/strong>stating that \u201cVery often, governments do not really want to listen to scientists. We have the knowledge, but it does not always feed through into effective policies.\u201d<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Are multinational companies stepping up to invest in the future of cocoa?<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cThe short answer is no,\u201d says Professor Knight. \u201cThese 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,\u201d he added. Furthermore, the deep ties between corporations and national governments create political barriers to real change.<\/strong> \u201cMany of these conglomerates work hand in hand with governments, and political agendas often take priority over social responsibility,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n As climate change accelerates, the future of chocolate\u2014and many other crops\u2014hangs in the balance. Solutions exist, but without the will to implement them, the challenges will only intensify. Professor Knight\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n