Climate variability threatens smallholder cacao sustainability, study highlights systemic adaptation needs
Original framing: “Study reveals insights for climate resilience in smallholder cacao farms” — Phys.org
Comparative studies of cacao resilience in West Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia reveal that regions with strong community-based land governance and agroforestry practices tend to have more climate-resilient cacao systems.
To build climate resilience in cacao farming, we must move beyond technical fixes and embrace a systemic approach that integrates indigenous knowledge, agroecological practices, and inclusive governance.
Historical patterns of land dispossession and market exploitation continue to shape current vulnerabilities, but cross-cultural comparisons reveal pathways to sustainable farming. By centering the voices of women and youth, securing land rights, and redesigning supply chains, we can create a more equitable and resilient cacao system. The trickster in this story is the illusion of stability in a volatile climate—only by embracing complexity and diversity can we find true resilience.