This study explores the differences between growing cocoa in monocultures and dynamic agroforestry systems (DAF), focusing on smallholder farmers in Bolivia and Côte d’Ivoire. Monoculture cocoa farming often leads to problems like soil degradation, loss of biodiversity, and increased vulnerability to pests, diseases, and climate change. In contrast, DAF mimics natural forests by integrating a...Read More

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...Read More