Social and Environmental Trade-Offs and Synergies in Cocoa Production: Does the Farming System Matter?

Joseph Bandanaa, Isaac K. Asante, Ted Y. Annang, Johan Blockeel, Anja Heidenreich, Irene Kadzere, Christian Schader and Irene S. Egyir ()
Additional contact information
Joseph Bandanaa: Institute for Environment and Sanitation Studies, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra P.O. Box 209, Ghana
Isaac K. Asante: Department of Plant Biology and Environment, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra P.O. Box 586, Ghana
Ted Y. Annang: Institute for Environment and Sanitation Studies, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra P.O. Box 209, Ghana
Johan Blockeel: Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL), 5070 Frick, Switzerland
Anja Heidenreich: Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL), 5070 Frick, Switzerland
Irene Kadzere: Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL), 5070 Frick, Switzerland
Christian Schader: Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL), 5070 Frick, Switzerland
Irene S. Egyir: Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra P.O. Box 68, Ghana

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 4, 1-14

Abstract: Although cocoa production addresses the livelihoods of several rural households, there is a global concern about its negative impact on the physical environment. How does this trade-off play out in different farming systems? This paper examined the social and environmental trade-offs and synergies of organic and conventional cocoa farming systems. Using the ‘SMART Farm-tool’ and principal component analysis approach, data collected from 398 cocoa farmers in five communities in the Atwima Mponua District of Ghana were analysed. We found that social and environmental trade-offs in the organic cocoa farming system are labour-related (EV = −0.38). The social and environmental trade-offs in the conventional cocoa farming system are health and safety and biodiversity-related (EV = −0.64). The organic farming system recognises indigenous knowledge in promoting biodiversity conservation and land degradation reduction (EV = −0.57). There can be more synergy than trade-off in both systems if support for capacity building and credit is provided and indigenous knowledge sharing is prioritised among low-income and vulnerable farmers. In this way, the labour conditions, biodiversity conservation, and health and safety-related concerns will be addressed. Addressing labour concerns in organic cocoa farming involves improving efficiency and working conditions. Strategies include training programs for organic techniques, introducing technology for tasks, and adhering to fair labour standards. This ensures labour concerns are addressed across the supply chain.

Keywords: organic cocoa farming; social and environment; principal component analysis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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