The Cocoa and Coffee Farmers Alliance Association of Africa has identified persistent market volatility as one of the greatest obstacles to the sustainable development of Africa’s cocoa industry, warning that fluctuating prices continue to weaken farmers’ livelihoods and discourage investment throughout the value chain.
The PUNCH reported that speaking ahead of the Cocoa and Coffee Fiesta Lagos, Nigeria 2026, scheduled to hold on October 7 and 8, the Global President of COCEFAAA, Adeola Adegoke, said African cocoa farmers have remained resilient despite years of unstable market conditions that have negatively affected incomes, productivity and overall growth within the sector.
Adegoke noted that Africa remains the largest cocoa-producing region in the world, contributing approximately 70 per cent of global cocoa output. However, he observed that many farmers across the continent continue to contend with poor and unpredictable returns on their investments.
“Market volatility remains a major threat to cocoa development across Africa. The constant fluctuations in prices have created uncertainty for farmers, discouraged investment and affected the long-term sustainability of the sector,” he lamented.
The association pointed out that cocoa-producing nations, including Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Cameroon and Nigeria, have maintained global cocoa supply for several decades. Despite this contribution, it said farmers frequently bear the impact of market disruptions and price instability.
“Despite the critical role African farmers play in supplying cocoa to the world, many continue to face unstable livelihoods due to factors beyond their control. This situation calls for stronger collaboration among governments, industry players and development partners to protect farmers’ incomes and investments,” it stated.
COCEFAAA explained that the forthcoming Cocoa and Coffee Fiesta would serve as a platform for stakeholders to explore practical solutions to major challenges affecting both industries. These challenges include price volatility, market access constraints, sustainability concerns and regulatory compliance requirements.
The association disclosed that discussions during the event would centre on issues such as African farmers’ income frameworks, de-commoditisation strategies, expansion of agroforestry initiatives, carbon credit opportunities, integrated soil management practices and compliance with the European Union Deforestation Regulation.
According to the group, enhanced regional cooperation among cocoa-producing countries remains essential to tackling the economic, social and environmental challenges confronting the sector across the continent.
“Africa must speak with one voice in protecting the interests of its farmers and value chain actors. Through stronger regional collaboration, we can build more resilient and sustainable cocoa and coffee sectors that guarantee better returns for producers,” the association said.
COCEFAAA also announced that the event would feature the official launch of the alliance as the first pan-African membership organisation dedicated exclusively to cocoa and coffee farmers across Africa.
The association stated that its mission is to strengthen the voices of farmers, encourage sustainable production practices, advocate fair pricing systems, improve market access opportunities, empower women and young people, and enhance climate resilience in cocoa and coffee-producing communities.
Stakeholders expected to participate in the Cocoa and Coffee Fiesta include farmers, processors, exporters, researchers, policymakers, investors, development partners and international industry leaders from across Africa and other parts of the world.
