Cocoa Shortage Hits Cameroon: Farmers and Chocolate Makers Struggle
Cameroon’s cocoa farmers, like Chief Orok John, are facing a double threat: disease and a global shortage. John’s crops are suffering from pod diseases, reducing his harvest. He, along with other producers, is squeezed by high prices due to competition with Nigerian buyers. Image Source: medafricatimes.com
Published by Everything ZA News
John believes a local chocolate industry could benefit farmers. “The government should invest in our cocoa factories,” he says, “This would raise prices further, just like in other cocoa-producing countries.”
The global cocoa shortage has driven prices per tonne above $10,000. Several factors contribute to the scarcity: poor bean quality, climate change, and increased demand.
Douala-based chocolate maker Hippolyte Nozawo Tchoffo explains, “For years, low cocoa prices caused many farmers to neglect their plantations. This led to aging plants and lower yields.” Climate change further disrupts production with unpredictable weather patterns and increased mold growth.
The price per kilo in Cameroon has skyrocketed from 900 to 7,000 francs in just a month. This is good news for farmers, but bad news for processors like Tchoffo. “Our chocolates are high in cocoa content,” he says, “The price increase makes production much more expensive. If we raise our prices to match, consumers won’t be able to afford them, and we’ll be forced to close.”
The government is offering financial aid to farmers to improve crop health and meet market standards. However, some chocolate makers have already halted production. Manufacturers are lobbying for a refund on export taxes to help ease the financial burden.
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