Average World Yield (kg/hectare) and Comparison with Yields in Côte d'Ivoire and Other Key Countries

This is a crucial statistic for understanding the efficiency and challenges of cocoa growing around the world, and particularly for key producing countries such as Côte d'Ivoire.

It is important to note that cocoa yields (expressed in kilograms of dried beans per hectare per year) can vary considerably depending on many factors:

• Age of the cocoa trees: Young trees and very old trees are less productive.
• Varieties grown: Some varieties are naturally more productive than others.
• Farming practices: Use of fertiliser, control of diseases and pests, pruning, planting density, etc.
• Soil and climate conditions: Soil quality, sunshine, rainfall pattern.
• Presence of diseases and pests.
• Access to training and agricultural extension services.

The figures below are national averages or general estimates and can mask large disparities within a single country. The most recent and globally harmonised data often come from organisations such as the FAO or the ICCO, but may lag by a year or two.

World Average Cocoa Yield:

• The world average yield of cocoa is often estimated between 400 and 600 kg/hectare/year.
• However, CIRAD (the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development) indicates that yields can range from 150 to 2,500 kg/ha/year worldwide, underlining the enormous variability.

Comparison with Côte d'Ivoire and Other Key Countries (Indicative Figures, Variable by Source and Year):

It is hard to obtain perfectly synchronised and comparable figures for a single very recent year (such as 2023 or 2024) for all countries at once, as collection methodologies and publication periods vary. The figures below are therefore orders of magnitude based on recent data and reports or observed averages:

• Côte d'Ivoire:
  • The average yield is historically around 500 - 600 kg/hectare. Some older or specific sources may indicate lower figures (around 400-550 kg/ha), while well-managed plots with improved planting material can reach much higher yields (up to 1,500 - 2,000 kg/ha, or even more in optimal conditions).
  • Studies (such as TrustAfrica's in 2024 on incomes) have reported incomes per hectare that, once converted, suggest actual yields that are sometimes lower for some smallholders. An earlier BCEAO study even mentioned that the yield in Côte d'Ivoire was among the lowest in the world at one point (around 500 kg/ha), owing to the ageing of plantations.
• Ghana:
  • Average yields are often cited as slightly lower than or similar to those of Côte d'Ivoire, traditionally around 400 - 550 kg/hectare.
  • However, production potential is estimated much higher (more than 3,000 kg/ha according to some World Bank studies for optimised farms), and programmes aim to raise these yields significantly (towards 1,500 - 2,000 kg/ha).
• Indonesia:
  • Average yields were higher in the past, sometimes cited at around 700 - 800 kg/hectare, or even more on some modern plantations.
  • Recent forecasts (ReportLinker for 2024-2028 based on FAO data) indicate yields of around 450 kg/ha, with a slight downward trend, but other sources (YKAN) mention local productivities of about 550 kg/ha. The situation is therefore variable.
• Nigeria:
  • Average yields are generally considered lower, often in the range of 300 - 500 kg/hectare, or 400-600 kg/ha according to recent farming guides.
• Cameroon:
  • Average yields are often comparable to those of Côte d'Ivoire, at around 400 - 600 kg/hectare. A 2018 study (Cairn.info) showed yields that could exceed 600 kg/ha for producers taking part in farmer field schools.
• Brazil:
  • The traditional national average is relatively low, but new growing areas, notably in western Bahia, with modern techniques (irrigation, adapted seedlings), show spectacular yields of up to 3,000 kg/hectare, well above the national average. The aim is to raise the country's overall productivity.
• Ecuador:
  • Ecuador, known for its fine "Nacional" cocoa, has variable yields. Solidaridad reports (2021) indicate median productivities for certain farmer archetypes ranging from 0.8 to 1.1 tonnes/hectare (800 to 1,100 kg/ha) for mid-sized farms. Older USDA figures (2015-2016) suggested averages of around 570-580 kg/ha, indicating improvement.

Analysis and Implications:

• Potential for Improvement: In most producing countries, particularly in West Africa where smallholdings dominate, current yields are well below the agronomic potential of cocoa trees. This is often due to ageing plantations, low adoption of good farming practices, diseases and pests, and limited access to inputs and financing.
• Economic Impact: Higher yields, achieved sustainably, are essential to improve cocoa farmers' incomes and reduce poverty.
• Sustainability: Increasing yields on existing land is also a way to reduce the pressure to clear new forest to increase production.
• Disparities: Latin America, with cocoa growing that is often more intensive or focused on well-managed fine varieties, tends to show national average yields that are sometimes higher, although the situation varies greatly. New plantations in Brazil are an extreme example of this potential.

In conclusion, the world average cocoa yield hides strong disparities. Côte d'Ivoire sits at a typical average for West Africa, with considerable room for improvement. Efforts in research, extension of good practices, orchard rehabilitation and support for producers are crucial to raise these yields sustainably and ensure the sector's longevity.