The global cocoa industry is at a critical juncture. With the introduction of the European Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), cocoa-producing nations like Cameroon must adapt to stricter environmental standards, particularly regarding deforestation and traceability. Cameroon has responded with a national strategy to both comply with these regulations and expand cocoa production to 600,000 tons by 2030. However, the path forward requires significant investment, collaboration, and innovative approaches to sustainable cocoa production.
The Role of the Private Sector
As long-term beneficiaries of the cocoa value chain, private sector actors—ranging from multinational cocoa buyers to processors—bear responsibility in ensuring the sector’s sustainability. They must:
Invest in Traceability Infrastructure: To comply with EUDR standards, private companies should support the establishment of interoperable traceability systems.
Support Farmer Organizations: By providing technical assistance and resources, the private sector can help cooperatives and smallholders meet compliance standards.
Advocate for Agroforestry: Promoting Cameroon’s agroforestry systems—which integrate cocoa with forested landscapes—can secure environmental and economic benefits, positioning Cameroonian cocoa as a premium product on the global market.
Cameroon’s Unique Agroforestry System
Cameroon’s agroforestry cocoa production stands out due to its integration with biodiversity-rich forests, particularly in the Congo Basin. This system not only reduces deforestation but also enhances the resilience of cocoa farms. However, the EUDR currently overlooks the environmental benefits of agroforestry. It is essential for the international community to recognize and reward this model, which could serve as a blueprint for sustainable cocoa production across the Congo Basin.
