Cocoa Bean - Environmental Impact

Environmental Impact

The relative poverty of many cocoa farmers means that environmental consequences such as deforestation are given little significance.

For decades, cocoa farmers have encroached on virgin forest, mostly after the felling of trees by logging companies.

This trend has decreased as many governments and communities are beginning to protect their remaining forested zones.

In general, the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides by cocoa farmers is limited. When cocoa bean prices are high, farmers may invest in their crops, leading to higher yields which, in turn tends to result in lower market prices and a renewed period of lower investment.