Although developed and fast developing countries such as Europe, Asia and North America consume over 90 percent of the chocolate produced every year, chocolate largely exists because of africa. This is because up to 70 percent of cocoa, the major ingredient for making chocolate, is grown and harvested in africa! Cote D'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Ghana, Nigeria and Cameroon are the continent's largest producers but there is still unexploited potential in other parts of West and Central African countries that are well suited for cocoa production.

Cocoa Fruit

Cocoa Fruit

Chocolate

The cocoa plant is not native to africa and was introduced to the African continent over 100 years ago from South America, africa now dominates the global supply of cocoa. Fortunately, a significant portion of the African continent lies within the narrow belt around the earth's equator that is best suited for cocoa cultivation. In addition to africa's suitable location, the evergreen forest and climatic conditions such as rainfall and favourable temperatures makes West and Central Africa a sweet spot for cocoa production.

Isaac Gyamfi, director Solidaridad West Africa, tells how cocoa farmers can move out of poverty once the sector makes the next step in supporting sustainable production beyond training and certification.

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