In the early 2000s, after the stagnation or even decline of cocoa production in the last cocoa loop in the southwest of Ivory Coast [ 15 ], there was a shift of the production area towards the extreme West where a new cocoa loop seems to be emerging [ 16, 17] in this region still relatively unsuitable for cocoa cultivation [ 18, 19 ].
Can agroforestry improve cocoa production in Ivory Coast?
The effective practice of agroforestry by associating trees with cocoa trees could help ensure the sustainability of cocoa production in Ivory Coast.
How did the cocoa economy develop in Ivory Coast?
After the introduction of cocoa in 1955 [ 28] in the South-East of Ivory Coast, the cocoa economy has continued to develop through the establishment of cocoa farms in an extensive mode through shifting cultivation on forest clearings [ 12 ].
Is the west Ivorian region the new epicentre of cocoa in Ivory Coast?
In view of the rapid disappearance of the forest cover and the socio-demographic and agronomic characteristics of the plantations, the West Ivorian region is in the process of becoming the new epicentre of cocoa in Ivory Coast.