Category

Publications
frontiers in sustainable food systems journal
08
Sep

CacaoFIT: the network of cacao field trials in Latin America and its contribution to sustainable cacao farming in the region

septembre 8, 2024
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...
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frontiers in sustainable food systems journal
18
Jan

Locally-selected cacao clones for improved yield: A case study in different production systems in a long-term trial

janvier 18, 2024
This study finds that using locally-selected cocoa clones can significantly boost cocoa yields. Conducted over five years in Bolivia, the research compared the performance of local clones against widely-used international varieties and found that local clones produced two to five times more cocoa beans. These clones also had larger pods and therefore required fewer pods...
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journal of cleaner production
11
Juil

Food-energy-water nexus of different cacao production systems from a LCA approach

juillet 11, 2021
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...
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10
Déc

Cacao Agroforestry Systems Do Not Increase Pest and Disease Incidence Compared With Monocultures Under Good Cultural Management Practices

décembre 10, 2020
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...
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Environmental Research Letters
25
Oct

Cocoa agroforestry systems versus monocultures: a multi-dimensional meta-analysis

octobre 25, 2020
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...
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Recent

Aerial comparison of a young Dynamic Agroforestry (DAF) system on the left and a traditional cocoa monoculture on the right, highlighting differences in biodiversity and land use.
Training session on Dynamic Agroforestry (DAF) in an open-air classroom, with a presenter explaining regenerative farming concepts to participants.
Aerial view of CRIG's research trial in New Tafo, Ghana, comparing Dynamic Agroforestry (DAF) with conventional cocoa farming. The four research plots (2,500 m² each) highlight the long-term study on soil fertility, biodiversity, and yield resilience.

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