Abidjan – A delicate balance between too much and too little rain is currently determining the fate of Ivory Coast’s upcoming cocoa harvest. While the world’s top cocoa producer is in the midst of its rainy season, farmers are reporting a mixed bag of weather conditions across the country.
Last week, rainfall levels dipped below average in many key cocoa-growing regions. However, farmers remain optimistic about the prospects for the October-to-March main crop. “The soil is still moist enough, and we’re seeing plenty of flowers and small pods developing,” said Salame Kone, a farmer near Soubre in the western region.
While Kone’s optimism is shared by many, the situation is not uniform across the country. In regions like Daloa and Yamoussoukro, farmers are eager for more rain to solidify the crop’s development. “We just need a little rain this month,” said Albert N’Zue, a farmer near Daloa. “Everything’s going well on the trees.”
Experts warn that excessive rainfall can be as detrimental as drought, as it can trigger diseases and cause premature fruit drop. The current conditions, with moderate rainfall and high humidity, appear to be striking a favorable balance for now.
The cocoa sector is a vital economic driver for Ivory Coast, and the health of the crop is closely watched by global markets. With the main harvest approaching, all eyes will be on the weather patterns in the coming weeks.
