Below-average rains threaten Ivory Coast’s cocoa mid-crop quality

Below-average rainfall across most cocoa-growing regions in Ivory Coast is raising concerns about the strength and quality of the ongoing mid-crop season, farmers say.

The country, the world’s top cocoa producer, has entered its rainy season, which typically runs from April to mid-November. However, farmers report that rainfall last week fell short of expectations in key producing areas.

Growers say the period leading up to late May is critical for crop development and bean quality. Persistent dry conditions during this window could result in reduced yields and poorer-quality beans by the end of the March-to-August mid-crop season.

In the western region of Soubre, only 10.9 mm of rain was recorded last week, 12.6 mm below the five-year average. Similar shortfalls were reported in Agboville, Divo, and Abengourou, where farmers say heat is persisting and plantations need heavier rainfall.

In Daloa, rainfall reached just 7.8 mm, 13.8 mm below average. Farmers in central regions, including Bongouanou and Yamoussoukro, also reported insufficient moisture for smaller cocoa pods.

Despite the dry spell, harvesting is picking up, with many beans already leaving plantations. Farmers say larger pods could support solid output in May and June, but warn that continued lack of rain could undermine the overall crop.

Temperatures across the country ranged between 29.1 and 32.8 degrees Celsius last week, further increasing pressure on cocoa farms already struggling with limited rainfall.