The Cocoa Farmers Alliance Association of Africa COFAAA has urged a unified cocoa pricing system across Africa. This call follows rising concerns over declining farmer incomes and market instability.
According to COFAAA President Adeola Adegoke, current pricing frameworks are failing farmers. Although designed to stabilise markets, these systems have not delivered expected benefits. As a result, many cocoa producers continue to face financial uncertainty.
Furthermore, the recent drop in cocoa prices has worsened existing challenges. Despite a price surge in 2024, gains have not been sustained. Therefore, farmers now struggle with reduced earnings and limited security.
Adegoke explained that regulated and semi-regulated pricing models have not achieved their goals. Instead, prices often adjust quickly to global market trends. Consequently, the stability these systems promised remains uncertain.
Moreover, he highlighted a gap between global chocolate demand and farmer welfare. African farmers produce most of the world’s cocoa supply. However, they receive only a small share of global revenue.
He also raised concerns about the Living Income Differential initiative. While it showed promise, its impact remains limited. Therefore, stakeholders must review its effectiveness and future direction.
To address these issues, COFAAA launched a Global Members Assembly and Empowerment Forum. This initiative aims to develop unified solutions for pricing and farmer support. Additionally, it will encourage collaboration among cocoa-producing countries.
Ultimately, the organisation seeks sustainable reforms across Africa’s cocoa sector. It also calls for stronger policies to protect farmers and ensure fair returns.
