This study examines how pruning shade trees impacts cocoa yields and income in agroforestry systems in Bolivia. Farmers who pruned their shade trees experienced yield increases from 430 kg/ha to 710 kg/ha of dry cocoa beans. This improvement was attributed to better flowering and pod production due to enhanced light availability.
While pruning significantly increased yields, the financial feasibility depended on the farm’s initial productivity. Farms with higher baseline yields benefited the most economically, as the additional income from higher cocoa production outweighed the pruning costs. However, for farms with lower yields, the costs of pruning often exceeded the income gains.
The findings highlight the importance of shade tree management as part of sustainable cocoa agroforestry. Pruning not only enhances yields but also improves the overall balance between productivity and ecosystem services, such as carbon storage and biodiversity. The study calls for additional support from the cocoa sector, such as subsidies or fair trade premiums, to make pruning economically viable for all farmers.