Modelling GHG emissions of cocoa in Ivory Coast using field data and COOLFARM model

Abstract
The current expansion of cacao cultivation in the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire is associated with deforestation, forest degradation, biodiversity loss and high greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Global concerns about these emissions that are associated with tropical commodity production, are increasing. Consequently, changing the present cacao-growing practice into a more sustainable cultivation system with lower GHG emissions per unit of product, high carbon storage in its standing biomass, with similar or even higher yields (climate-friendly cacao) is urgently needed. I estimated GHG emissions associated with cacao production by using various tools, including the Perennial-GHG model, the Cool Farm Tool, allometric equations and guidelines developed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. These tools are all data intensive, and require literature, survey and fieldwork data. I found that, on average, 3.6 kg CO2-equivalents were emitted per kilogram of cacao produced. Composting cacao-tree residues and fertiliser application contributed largely to these GHG emissions, while shade- and cacao tree biomass contributed mainly to CO2 storage. The present study revealed that it is feasible to produce high yields while at the same time storing a high amount of carbon in the standing biomass and causing low GHG emissions. Although some uncertainties exist, I found that the climate-friendliness of cacao production is strongly related to farm management. Therefore, farm management is a key factor in producing climate-friendly cacao. Farm management that significantly contributes to climate-friendliness of cacao includes the presence of shade trees and leaving biomass residues on the soil.