Climate Change Adaptation Strategies for Cacao Farmers

Climate change presents significant challenges for cacao production, requiring proactive adaptation strategies. Diversifying cacao varieties to include more heat and drought-tolerant selections reduces vulnerability to changing conditions. Improved shade management systems help mitigate temperature extremes and protect plants during increasingly intense weather events. Water management infrastructure, including retention ponds and efficient irrigation, becomes essential as rainfall patterns become less predictable. These investments not only protect current production but position forward-thinking farms to thrive while less-prepared operations may struggle with declining yields and quality issues.