Previous Year Question
Which of the following countries are well known as the two largest cocoa producers in the world?
Algeria and Morocco
Botswana and Namibia
Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana
Madagascar and Mozambique
Correct Answer: C
Detailed Solution
Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana are the principal cocoa-producing countries of West Africa. These two countries have long dominated global cocoa production and exports. Together, they produce approximately 60% of the world’s cocoa.
1. Cote d’Ivoire
Cote d’Ivoire is recognised as the world’s largest producer and exporter of cocoa.
Its warm, humid and rainy southern and central regions provide favourable conditions for cocoa cultivation.
Cocoa is one of the country’s principal exports, and millions of small farmers depend upon it for their livelihoods.
Cocoa has particular importance for the country’s economy, export earnings and rural employment.
2. Ghana
Ghana has also long been among the world’s leading producers and exporters of cocoa.
Its principal cocoa areas are located in the southern forest regions, including Ashanti, Western, Eastern and Brong-Ahafo.
Ghanaian cocoa is also known for its quality.
Development and regulation of Ghana’s cocoa sector are undertaken by the Ghana Cocoa Board—COCOBOD.
Conditions required for cocoa cultivation
The scientific name of the cocoa tree is Theobroma cacao. Its seeds are used to make cocoa and chocolate.
Its natural habitat is the lower storey of evergreen tropical rainforests.
It is cultivated mainly between approximately 20° north and 20° south of the Equator.
The ideal temperature is approximately 18°C to 32°C.
Annual rainfall of generally 1,000 to 3,000 mm is suitable.
The plant requires high humidity, protection from direct intense sunlight and strong winds, and well-drained soil.
More than 90% of the world’s cocoa farmers are smallholders, generally possessing farms of approximately 2–5 hectares.
Why are the other options incorrect?
Algeria and Morocco: Large portions of these countries have arid or Mediterranean climates. They are not leading global cocoa producers.
Botswana and Namibia: The presence of dry regions such as the Kalahari and Namib makes their climates unsuitable for large-scale cocoa cultivation.
Madagascar and Mozambique: Cocoa can be cultivated in some of their tropical regions, but they are not the world’s two largest producers.