On Valentine’s Day, Reflecting on the Importance of Chocolate Production

Posted by Margaret Enis / February 14, 2012

A cocoa buyer examines beans to evaluate their quality as they are shoveled into sacks ready to be exported, in Guiglo in western Cote d'Ivoire, April 4, 2004. [AP File Photo]

They say the way to a person's heart is through their stomach. And whether you're enjoying the fruits (or beans!) of the world's cocoa harvest through your favorite candy bar during your afternoon snack, or receiving a heart-shaped box of cream-filled goodness for Valentine's Day today, it's worth considering how the delectable confection came to be in the first place -- and how supporting the industry can lead to increased global food security.

You might think that's quite a jump. But cocoa in West Africa contributes considerably to farmer livelihoods and national economies. Collectively, this region's 2 million smallholder cocoa farmers produce approximately 70 percent of the world's supply. With a projected strong, long-term demand, cocoa has great potential to increase these farmers' incomes. To do so significantly requires improving productivity to make cocoa farming… more »

Posted under: Africa

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