A recent study by Orozco-Aguilar et al. highlights the contributions of the CacaoFIT network—a collaborative effort among agronomists, researchers, and practitioners—to sustainable cocoa farming in Latin America and the Caribbean. By assembling data from 25 experimental field trials across diverse agroecosystems, the network explores various cacao cultivation models suitable for smallholder farmers. Key findings indicate...Mehr lesen

Diese Studie zeigt, dass die Verwendung lokal ausgewählter Kakaoklone die Kakaoerträge erheblich steigern kann. Die über fünf Jahre in Bolivien durchgeführte Studie verglich die Leistung lokaler Klone mit weit verbreiteten internationalen Sorten und stellte fest, dass lokale Klone zwei- bis fünfmal mehr Kakaobohnen produzierten. Diese Klone hatten auch größere Schoten und benötigten daher weniger Schoten...Mehr lesen

A recent study by Armengot et al. examines the environmental impacts of different cocoa production systems, focusing on smallholder contexts. The research compares four young cacao systems: conventional monoculture, organic monoculture, conventional agroforestry, and organic agroforestry. Using a life cycle assessment (LCA) approach, the study evaluates the food-energy-water nexus and ten environmental impact categories, such...Mehr lesen

The study investigated whether cacao agroforestry systems lead to higher pest and disease incidence compared to monocultures. Contrary to traditional beliefs, the study found that when good cultural management practices—such as regular pruning, frequent harvesting, and prompt removal of diseased pods—are implemented, agroforestry systems do not have higher pest and disease rates than monocultures. In...Mehr lesen

A recent study by Niether et al. presents a comprehensive meta-analysis comparing cocoa agroforestry systems with monocultures. Analyzing 52 articles, the research found that while cocoa yields in agroforestry systems are about 25% lower than in monocultures, the total system yields—including other crops like fruits and timber—are approximately ten times higher. This diversification contributes significantly...Mehr lesen