Crops we work with
Theobroma cacao
Regenerating cocoa landscapes with Dynamic Agroforestry — healthier soils, higher yields, and income from the very first year.
Cocoa is one of ECOTOP's core crops. For more than two decades we have worked with cocoa farmers across the tropics to move away from full-sun monocultures toward diverse, multi-layered agroforestry systems.
By combining cocoa with shade trees, fruit species and nitrogen-fixing plants, our Dynamic Agroforestry approach rebuilds soil fertility, suppresses pests and disease, and improves yields — without reliance on external inputs. Fast-growing pioneer species generate income from the very first year, while the cocoa matures.
Every ECOTOP engagement follows a proven, hands-on path — from a first assessment to a self-sustaining system your own teams can run.
We visit the site to assess soils, climate and existing plantations, and run an introductory workshop on Dynamic Agroforestry for farmers and field staff.
Together we design a DAF programme and planting plan adapted to your cocoa, landscape and sourcing goals.
Recurring field missions coach teams in good agricultural practices — planting design, pruning, shade and soil management — season by season.
We monitor results, build local capacity, and scale proven practices farmer-to-farmer across your supply chain.
Dynamic Agroforestry doesn't ask farmers to wait. Fast-growing pioneer and companion species — bananas, cassava and short-cycle crops — deliver harvests and revenue while the cocoa establishes.
As the system matures, the same diversity that pays early keeps paying: steadier yields, lower input costs, and cocoa that is more resilient to a changing climate.
Continuous organic matter and deep-rooting trees restore depleted cocoa soils and improve water retention.
Diversified canopies improve cocoa yields while easing pest, disease and climate stress.
Fast-growing pioneer and companion species deliver harvests and revenue from the first year, while cocoa matures.
High tree density sequesters significant CO2 and rebuilds habitat, supporting insetting and certification.
Find out how ECOTOP can strengthen your cocoa supply chain with Dynamic Agroforestry.
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