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This study investigates the knowledge and perception of smallholder cocoa farmers on the potential impacts of climate change on cocoa production in Ghana. It addresses opinions on the inclusion of climate change mitigation strategies (such as Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation—REDD+) into cocoa production, and potential obstacles and roles of stakeholders in ensuring community acceptance of such strategies in a unique multiple land use area—the Krokosua Hills Forest Reserve. Data from the Ghana Meteorological Agency and through survey of 205 cocoa farmers were assessed with Mann-Kendall, Kruskal Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests. Farmers’ perceptions of changes in climate were notably diverse and did not always match historic weather data, but accurately described increases in temperature and drought which are linked to cocoa productivity. Farmers appreciate the importance of tree maintenance for ecosystem services but were skeptical of financially rewarding climate change strategies which favor tree protection. Cultural practices associated with cocoa production encourage carbon release and may pose a threat to the objectives of REDD+. Farmers’ experience on the land, interactions with other farmers, government extension agents and cocoa buyers all influence cocoa agroforestry practices in the area, and communication through existing entities (particularly extension agents) presents a pathway to community acceptance of climate change mitigation strategies. The study recommends reforms in REDD+ strategies to adopt flexible and participatory frameworks to facilitate adoption and acceptability due to pronounced heterogeneity in community perceptions and knowledge of climate change and related issues.

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With the rise of single origin chocolate—made with beans from one country, region, or plantation—today many bars name the source of their cocoa. Based on historical and statistical analyses, interviews with artisans, and examination of product packaging, this article discusses the limited visibility of West Africa among single origin bars. Although the region generates about 70% of cocoa traded on the world market, a comprehensive database of “premium bar chocolate” shows just 3.8% made with West African beans. This discrepancy is due to a complex imbrication of trade logistics, bean strain, and representational politics. U.S.-based artisans cite flavor limitations of the predominant Amelonado strain and difficulties procuring superior cocoa from the region. However, U.S. media representations of West Africa as a place of “trouble” (for example, of conflict, HIV/AIDS, and poverty), and especially allegations of slavery on Ivorian plantations, also make it difficult to source from West Africa. As product packaging often shows exotic and implicitly erotic origin sites, persistent negative stereotypes surrounding West Africa pose a challenge for quality-conscious makers committed to ethical sourcing.