The lack of rain in Côte d’Ivoire is raising concerns about the cocoa harvest

The plantations need rain. Young fruits are beginning to fall

In most cocoa-growing regions of Ivory Coast, rainfall over the past week has been below average. Although the country is currently in the rainy season, farmers are increasingly reporting problems with the development of young cocoa pods. The lack of moisture is causing some of them to fall from the trees prematurely.

In some regions, there was no rain at all last week, while in others, rainfall was significantly below average. Growers warn that if regular rains do not return by mid-October, the harvest could end as early as December. This would pose a risk of reduced raw material yields.

The weather is also hindering the drying of the beans

Farmers expect a significant increase in the harvest starting next week, but they are concerned about the quality of the cocoa. Persistent cloud cover is hindering proper drying of the beans, and the lack of regular rainfall continues to threaten the developing fruit.

Monday’s rains in the Daloa region offered some hope. However, only 3.6 mm of rain fell there last week—26.1 mm below the average. Plantations in the central part of the country also need more rainfall. It is now crucial for farmers that regular rains return before the moisture deficit causes further crop losses.