Cocoa in Ivory Coast: Prices rise, but producers remain unsatisfied

In Côte d'Ivoire, the world's leading cocoa producer, the recent 20% increase in the purchase price of the bean, reaching 1,800 FCFA per kilo, leaves producers sceptical. Despite this increase, they believe that prices still do not reflect the rise in world prices. According to the Association of Coffee and Cocoa Producers (Anaproci), farmers were hoping to receive at least 60% of the CIF price, in accordance with international regulations. In addition, they denounce other challenges such as the aging of plantations and diseases affecting harvests.

An increase that does not convince

Although the Ivorian government has presented this increase as a gesture to improve the conditions of farmers, the latter continue to suffer from increased precariousness. The gap between international prices and the local price remains a recurring problem. The president of Anaproci, Koffi Kanga, noted that this 20% increase is far from covering the needs of producers who face high production costs and difficult climatic conditions.

Structural challenges ignored

Beyond the purchase price, farmers face significant structural challenges. Ageing orchards are a widespread problem and are significantly affecting yields. Cocoa diseases such as swollen shoot continue to devastate large areas of cultivation, while funding to revitalize these plantations is insufficient. The government had promised to support farmers with universal health coverage, but again, producers remain skeptical about whether these measures will actually be implemented.

A model to rethink

Cocoa in Côte d'Ivoire represents approximately 1 million direct jobs and supports nearly 5 million people. This sector, which is vital to the national economy, nevertheless suffers from profound dysfunctions which, despite price adjustments, continue to exacerbate poverty in rural areas. The increase in bean prices, if not accompanied by deeper reforms, risks remaining a cosmetic measure that will not resolve the structural problems of producers.

Government response: between adjustment and promises

The Ivorian government is trying to justify the increase as a gesture of goodwill, while promising further adjustments to better reflect global market conditions. But for farmers, patience is wearing thin. Producers are demanding more than just a price increase: they are calling for a review of income distribution mechanisms, concrete measures to combat disease, and a real plan to renovate aging plantations.