Ivory Coast Rains and Warm Conditions Strengthen Cocoa Crop Prospects

Weather conditions across Ivory Coast’s main cocoa-growing regions have been more supportive than usual for the October–March mid-crop, with farmers reporting heavier than normal rainfall and elevated temperatures in early December.

Although the country is officially in its dry season, farmers said precipitation levels during the past week were among the highest recorded for this time of year, helping the development of cocoa pods intended for harvesting in February and March.

In the western cocoa belt around Soubre, farmers reported rainfall of approximately 36.5 millimetres during the week, well above the local five-year average of around 28.4 millimetres. Southern regions such as Divo and Abengourou also experienced above-average rainfall, supporting ongoing harvesting activity.

Central-western growing areas including Daloa, Bongouanou, and Yamoussoukro recorded weekly rainfall of about 12.9 millimetres, exceeding the regional five-year average of roughly 10.1 millimetres, according to farmers.

Producers in these regions said the improved moisture conditions have strengthened cocoa trees ahead of the Harmattan period, when dry Saharan winds typically reduce humidity and rainfall across the country. Despite expectations that Harmattan conditions may be stronger than usual this season, farmers remain cautiously optimistic about crop resilience.

Weekly temperatures during the period ranged between 27°C and 38°C, further supporting pod development when combined with sufficient rainfall.

Source: Reuters