A spell of uneven and below-average rainfall across Ivory Coast is raising concerns among farmers about a weaker and lower-quality mid-crop cocoa harvest as the season enters its final phase.
The world’s largest cocoa producer is currently in its rainy season, which typically runs from April to mid-November. However, farmers say rainfall has been inconsistent across key growing regions, creating uneven soil moisture conditions that are critical for pod development.
Only parts of the central-western region, particularly around Daloa, have recorded above-average rainfall in recent weeks. In most other cocoa-growing areas, farmers report that rainfall has been insufficient to sustain optimal crop growth.
Growers say the next two weeks will be decisive for the outcome of the mid-crop, which is harvested between July and August. Adequate and consistent rainfall through late June is considered essential to ensure strong yields and good bean quality.
Farmers in western and southern producing zones, including Soubre, Agboville and Divo, as well as eastern areas such as Abengourou, say rising temperatures and dry spells are rapidly reducing soil moisture levels.
“It’s time for rain, otherwise the trees will lack sufficient water,” said Kouassi Kouame, a farmer near Soubre, where rainfall was recorded at 15.2 millimetres last week, 13.4 millimetres below the five-year average.
The mid-crop, though smaller than the main harvest, plays a key role in maintaining global cocoa supply during the mid-year period and contributes significantly to farmer incomes and export revenues.
In central regions such as Bongouanou and Yamoussoukro, rainfall has also remained below seasonal averages. Farmers there say persistent cloud cover may indicate incoming rainfall, though conditions remain uncertain.
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“The sky is overcast. We think it will rain well this week to help the trees,” said Christophe Mian, a farmer near Bongouanou, where rainfall stood at 8.1 millimetres last week, well below the historical average.
Cocoa trees require consistent moisture during pod development to produce high-quality beans. Prolonged dry conditions can reduce bean size, affect yields and ultimately impact export quality.
Farmers said that while sufficient pods are currently available to sustain harvesting into early July, the pace of deliveries to local markets is expected to increase as picking accelerates in the coming weeks.
The cocoa sector in Ivory Coast is highly sensitive to weather patterns, with production levels closely tied to rainfall distribution during both the main and mid-crop seasons.
Weekly temperatures across producing regions ranged between 29.0°C and 32.9°C (84.2°F to 91.2°F), further contributing to moisture stress in plantations.
Agricultural analysts say that while short-term fluctuations in rainfall are common, extended dry spells during key pod development stages can significantly affect overall output and export earnings.
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The country accounts for a substantial share of global cocoa supply, making weather conditions in its growing regions a key factor for international chocolate markets.
Farmers and exporters alike are now watching weather forecasts closely, hoping for a return of steady rainfall to secure production levels and maintain bean quality ahead of the main harvest cycle.
