Cocoa

How can we intensify cocoa production in a sustainable way, to satisfy growing demand? The sustainability of the value chain depends on its capacity to adapt to climate-related constraints (particularly pests and diseases) and pressure on resources. It must also be attractive to small-scale cocoa producers. CIRAD and its partners are working to help producers and players further downstream in the supply chain develop a sustainable cocoa economy.

Providing a wide range of varieties, tailored to biotic and abiotic constraints, while making optimum use of the wealth and biodiversity of cocoa types
Managing natural resources better, particularly soil fertility and water resources, by optimizing plant functioning and productivity
Boosting the efficacy of pest and disease control and develop alternative, environmentally friendly methods
Innovating in terms of the ecological intensification of emerging agro-industrial production systems
Understanding the factors that determine quality and maximize aroma potential
Boosting the profitability of the various cocoa-based cropping systems and providing producers with a range of solutions tailored to their requirements and investment capacity.

Appraisals

Agronomic diagnoses: from seed to pod
Postharvest technology: from pod to raw cocoa
Economic and socioeconomic studies, including supply chain studies
Research and development project design and management
Training
Sensorial analyses and taste and quality appraisals
Gestion agroécologique des bioagresseurs.

Expertise

Genomics
Varietal improvement and breeding
Study and control of pests and diseases
Agronomy: physiology and mineral nutrition, crop practices, cropping systems, agroforestry
Postharvest processing systems engineering
Facilitation des innovations (dans la filière)
Assurer la Traçabilité.

Products and services

Products and services centring on cocoa

Training

Available training on cocoa