Agroforestry Systems for Cocoa Production
Summary
Agroforestry systems for cocoa production combine Theobroma cacao with shade trees and other crops to create multifunctional landscapes that deliver both economic and ecological benefits. By interspersing cocoa under a canopy of native or introduced tree species, farmers can moderate microclimatic extremes, conserve soil moisture and enhance biodiversity without substantially sacrificing bean yields. These systems support diversified incomes through the sale of timber, fruit and non‐timber forest products, while trees contribute to nutrient cycling, carbon storage and the regulation of pests and diseases. Varying levels of shade cover—from sparse to dense—allow adaptation to local climatic variability, with optimal shade regimes tailored to specific rainfall patterns, soil types and varietal characteristics. Globally, cocoa agroforestry underpins sustainable livelihoods in West Africa, Latin America and Southeast Asia, offering a practical route towards climate resilience, improved food security and reduced deforestation pressure.
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Agroforestry Systems for Cocoa Production publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in agroforestry systems for cocoa production across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Agroforestry system: Integration of trees with crops or livestock to enhance ecological and economic performance.
Monoculture: Cultivation of a single crop species over extensive areas, often reducing biodiversity and resilience.
Shade cover: Proportion of ground shaded by the overstorey canopy, affecting microclimate and moisture retention.
Stomatal conductance: Rate of gas exchange through leaf stomata, indicating plant water use and photosynthetic capacity.
Photoinhibition: Decline in photosynthetic efficiency due to excess light damaging the photosystem.
Carbon sequestration: Long‐term storage of atmospheric carbon in biomass and soils.
References
- Sustainability of food security in different cacao production systems: A land, labour, energy and food quality nexus approach. Resources Conservation and Recycling (2023).
- Combined effects of shade and drought on physiology, growth, and yield of mature cocoa trees. The Science of The Total Environment (2023).
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