Cocoa farmers in Côte d'Ivoire are facing a crisis as the global price of cocoa has plummeted, leaving them with unsold stocks and unpaid debts. The Ivorian government had set an unprecedented purchase price of 2,800 CFA francs per kilo in early October, just before the presidential election. However, after global cocoa prices began to slide in the summer of 2025, the government was forced to cut the purchase price to 1,200 CFA francs in early March.
The drastic price cut has left many farmers struggling to make ends meet. Dongo Yao Kra, president of the Socoopagos cooperative, estimates that his cooperative faces a total cost of 230 million CFA francs due to the price cut. The cooperative must still honour the previously locked-in price of 2,800 CFA francs a kilo for part of the stock harvested before the price cut.
Growers are now facing a daunting task of selling their cocoa beans, which are deteriorating due to prolonged exposure to tropical humidity. In a crisis meeting called by the cooperative, heated exchanges erupted over the timing of the price cut. Growers are demanding to be respected and paid for their hard work.
The Ivorian government's decision to cut the purchase price of cocoa has left many farmers in a precarious situation. The drastic price cut has resulted in unpaid debts and unsold stocks, which is a clear indication of the government's failure to support the sector. The sector accounts for 14 percent of GDP and supports five million people, making it a critical component of the country's economy. The government must take immediate action to address the crisis and ensure that farmers are paid for their hard work. The situation is a stark reminder of the need for a more sustainable and equitable agricultural policy.
