Cocoa farmers in Ivory Coast are raising alarms over the potential negative impact of the strong Harmattan wind on cocoa crops. The Harmattan, a seasonal wind from the Sahara Desert, typically lasts from December to March, bringing dry conditions that can dehydrate the soil and damage cocoa pods.
Farmers in key cocoa-growing regions such as Daloa, Yamoussoukro, and Bongouanou have reported below-average rainfall and intensifying Harmattan winds. With little rain last week, they worry that if the dry conditions persist for another two weeks, cocoa tree leaves will dry out, leading to lower yields starting in February.
“There is no rain, and if the Harmattan remains strong, tree yields will be low,” said Albert N’Zue, a farmer near Daloa.
Meanwhile, farmers in regions like Abengourou, where rainfall was significantly above the five-year average, are optimistic. “We’ve had enough rain, which will help trees produce cocoa from February onwards,” said Roger Koffi, a farmer in the eastern region.
Despite concerns, cocoa buyers are actively sourcing beans to meet year-end contracts, offering prices above the farmgate rate of 1,800 CFA francs ($2.88) per kilogram.
Average temperatures in Ivory Coast last week ranged between 24.2°C and 28.3°C. Farmers are keeping a close watch on weather patterns, which will determine the cocoa production outlook for the coming months.
