Farmers in Ivory Coast are concerned that early Harmattan winds could harm cocoa crops, leading to a potential shortage of beans by February.
The Harmattan, a dry wind from the Sahara, typically arrives between December and March, during the country’s dry season.
However, farmers fear it may come early this year, drying cocoa pods and reducing bean size.
While recent rainfall has been below average, soil moisture has supported the cocoa crop.
Harvesting is ongoing, with beans leaving the bush and expected to continue until January.
Despite the dry season, farmers in regions like Daloa and Bongouanou are closely monitoring weather patterns.
“Everything is fine for now, but there are fears the Harmattan will be strong,” said Ernest Krou, a farmer in Daloa.
Cocoa deliveries have increased in some areas, but the crop’s size and quality in February and March depend on rainfall in December.
“If rains are well-distributed in December, there will be enough harvest,” said Salame Kone, a farmer in Soubre.
Farmers are watching the weather closely as temperatures remain between 27 and 28.7 degrees Celsius.
