Understanding the Basics of Cacao Sustainability

By Jason E. Bass On Feb 9, 2023

Cacao, or Theobroma Cacao, is a tropical evergreen tree widely cultivated for its seeds, which are used to make cocoa, chocolate, and other food products. Sustainability is the ability to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. When it comes to cacao, sustainability means producing and processing cocoa beans in a way that takes into consideration the environment, social, and economic impacts of cacao production.

History of Cacao Sustainability

Prior to the Industrial Revolution, cacao production was largely a local, small-scale operation. Farmers grew cacao trees on plots of land interplanted with other crops such as banana and yam, and the cacao beans were processed and sold locally.

The Industrial Revolution led to the cultivation of large-scale monocultures of cacao trees, which had a significant environmental and social impact. This change in production methods led to increased pressure on the environment and the exploitation of labor, particularly child labor.

In modern times, there has been a growing awareness of the need for sustainable cacao production. Companies and governments are working together to address the environmental, social, and economic impacts of cacao production.

Environmental Impact of Cacao Production

The environmental impacts of cacao production include deforestation, the release of greenhouse gases, and soil erosion.

Deforestation is a major problem in cacao-producing countries, as it leads to the loss of habitat for wildlife and can lead to desertification.

Cacao production also contributes to the release of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, that contribute to global warming.

Soil erosion is another environmental impact of cacao production, as it can lead to the loss of soil fertility and the degradation of soil quality.

Social Impact of Cacao Production

The social impacts of cacao production include labor practices, child labor, and gender inequality.

Cacao production is often characterized by poor labor practices, such as low wages and long hours.

Child labor is also a major problem in the cacao industry, with children as young as five being employed in the harvesting of cacao beans.

Finally, gender inequality is also a problem in the cacao industry, as women are often excluded from decision-making roles and are paid less than their male counterparts.

Economic Impact of Cacao Production

The economic impacts of cacao production include income inequality, market over-production, and fair trade.

Income inequality is a major problem in the cacao industry, as the majority of profits are concentrated in the hands of a few large companies.

Market over-production is also a problem, as too much supply can lead to lower prices and a decrease in profits for farmers.

Finally, fair trade is an important economic issue in the cacao industry, as it ensures that farmers receive a fair price for their product.

Strategies for Achieving Cacao Sustainability

There are a number of strategies that can be employed to achieve cacao sustainability. These include planting shade trees, crop rotation, and the use of organic fertilizers.

Planting shade trees can help to reduce deforestation and soil erosion, as well as provide habitat for wildlife.

Crop rotation can help to improve soil fertility and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers.

The use of organic fertilizers can help to reduce the environmental impacts of chemical fertilizers, such as runoff into waterways.

Impact of Consumer Choices

Consumer choices can have a significant impact on the sustainability of cacao production. Consumers can choose to support direct trade, purchase organic or non-organic products, and look for certified sustainable cacao.

Direct trade ensures that farmers receive a fair price for their cacao and that their rights are respected.

Organic products are grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers and chemicals, reducing the environmental impacts of cacao production.

Certified sustainable cacao is grown and processed in a way that meets certain standards of sustainability.

Benefits of Sustainable Cacao Production

The benefits of sustainable cacao production are numerous. These include the preservation of biodiversity, improved quality of life for producers, and financial returns.

The preservation of biodiversity is critical in order to maintain the health of ecosystems and the services they provide, such as pollination and pest control.

Sustainable cacao production can also lead to improved quality of life for producers, as they can earn a living wage and have access to healthcare and education.

Finally, sustainable cacao production can lead to financial returns, as farmers can earn a higher price for their product and have access to new markets.

Conclusion

Cacao sustainability is an important issue, as it has significant environmental, social, and economic impacts. By understanding the history and current state of cacao sustainability, we can better understand the strategies that can be employed to achieve sustainable production. Consumers also have an important role to play in supporting sustainable production, by choosing to purchase direct trade, organic, and certified sustainable cacao products. The benefits of sustainable cacao production are numerous, and include the preservation of biodiversity, improved quality of life for producers, and financial returns.

References

1. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. (2019, June 11). Theobroma Cacao L. Retrieved from http://www.fao.org/tempref/docrep/fao/009/a0695e/a0695e.pdf

2. Fairtrade International. (n.d.). What is Fairtrade? Retrieved from https://www.fairtrade.net/what-is-fairtrade.html

3. World Cocoa Foundation. (n.d.). Cocoa Sustainability. Retrieved from https://worldcocoafoundation.org/sustainability/