Trade Reforms and Integration of Cocoa Farmers into World Markets: Evidence from African and non-African Countries

Abstract

Globally, there are about 5–6 million cocoa farmers and between 40 and 50 million people depend on cocoa for their livelihoods (WCF, 2012). The sector generates export revenues for governments; and employment and income for households in exporting countries. In Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana, for example, cocoa accounted for more than 30% of export earnings over the period 1995–2014.1 Thus, the cocoa sector is important for reducing poverty and achieving sustainable development in producing countries. In consuming countries, cocoa plays an important role in confectionery, food and beverage industries. In addition, cocoa or cocoa wastes could be processed to obtain several by-products including animal feed, potash and soft drinks (ICCO, 2006).