Boki Forest in Cross River State, Nigeria, is home to approximately 50% of the country's remaining rainforest and is renowned for its cocoa production.
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Biakwan, a major cocoa-producing community in Boki LGA, relies heavily on cocoa farming as its primary source of income. For generations, cocoa farming has been intertwined with the identity and culture of forest-dependent people, providing livelihoods for thousands of families.
However, the impacts of climate change are increasingly threatening this vital economic sector and the sustainability of forest communities. Rising atmospheric temperatures, erratic rainfall patterns, and prolonged dry seasons are reducing crop yields, making farming unpredictable. Cocoa trees, which thrive in specific climatic conditions, are highly sensitive to high temperatures, moisture, and insufficient rainfall.
Farmers in the region are facing significant challenges, including black pod diseases and swollen shoot viruses, exacerbated by climate change. A recent field trip carried out by Biakwan Light Green Initiative (BLGI) with support from GEF-SGP revealed that most farmers are severely affected, with cocoa stems dying and farms deteriorating, resulting in poor harvests and increased poverty.
According to community leaders, addressing climate challenges requires urgent and coordinated actions. This includes adopting sustainable agricultural practices and sound climatic adaptation strategies. Stakeholders, including government agencies, must recognize the urgency of the situation and take proactive decisions to protect cocoa farmers and their communities.
To mitigate the impacts of climate change, farmers must invest in climate-smart agriculture, promoting sustainable practices and supporting local resilience actions. This will help ensure the long-term sustainability of cocoa production in Boki Forest communities and protect the livelihoods of thousands of families dependent on this vital crop.
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