Cocoa Crisis in Ghana: Swollen Shoot Virus Ravages Farms and Threatens Supply

Cocoa production in Ghana and Ivory Coast is declining rapidly due to climate change, illegal mining, and the devastating Cocoa Swollen Shoot Virus Disease (CSSVD).

CSSVD causes cocoa trees to become unproductive and die within 3 years, leading to 100% crop losses on infected farms. It currently infects 592,230 hectares in Ghana.

Ghana has secured funding to cut down and rehabilitate cocoa farms infected with CSSVD, but the rate of spread is far outpacing rehabilitation efforts.

The resulting cocoa bean shortages have led to record high cocoa prices that are being felt by chocolate companies and consumers.

More support and awareness is needed from industry stakeholders to help Ghana battle CSSVD and prevent long-term cocoa shortages.