Cocoa Farmers Decry Persistent Price Volatility as Threat to Sector Growth

The Cocoa and Coffee Farmers Alliance Association of Africa has raised alarm over persistent market volatility, describing it as one of the greatest threats to the sustainable development of Africa’s cocoa sector.

In a statement released on Wednesday ahead of the cocoa and coffee fiesta scheduled for October 7 and 8 in Lagos, the Global President of the association, Adeola Adegoke, noted that fluctuating prices continue to undermine farmers’ livelihoods and slow down investment across the value chain.

He observed that African cocoa farmers have shown remarkable resilience despite years of unstable prices, which have adversely affected income, productivity, and sectoral growth.

Africa remains the world’s leading cocoa-producing region, accounting for approximately 70 per cent of global output. However, many farmers continue to struggle with low and unpredictable returns on their investments.

Adegoke lamented that market volatility creates uncertainty, discourages investment, and threatens the long-term sustainability of the sector.

The association pointed out that while major producers such as Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Cameroon, and Nigeria have sustained global supply for decades, farmers often bear the brunt of market shocks and price instability.

It called for stronger collaboration among governments, industry players, and development partners to protect farmers’ incomes and investments.

The forthcoming fiesta is expected to provide a platform for stakeholders to discuss practical solutions, including income frameworks, de-commoditisation strategies, agroforestry expansion, carbon credit opportunities, integrated soil management, and compliance with the European Union Deforestation Regulation.

The event will also witness the official launch of the alliance as the first pan-African membership organisation dedicated to cocoa and coffee farmers on the continent.

Its mission includes amplifying farmers’ voices, promoting sustainable production, advocating fair pricing, improving market access, empowering youth and women, and strengthening climate resilience.