Our Cacao Producers GET TO KNOW OUR PRODUCERS
Climate and the Cacao Season (2021 - 2022)
It is especially important to consider this as most cacao farms practice agroforestry and are near the homes of various protected native and endangered species. Last year, we also experienced how the unpredictable harvest patterns have affected the yield, delaying the farmers’ income from the crop.This year, the situation remains the same, although farmers fear the harvest may be even later this time. One of the events they find to affect this is the excessive rain in the area causing the ca- cao flowers to fall even before they develop into pods.At times, this has led to the flushing of new leaves that have to be managed as it could prevent the productivity of the tree. Due to the erratic weather pattern, the harvest time for different trees does not occur at the same fre- quency as before, which seemed to result in low yields. It also appears to be affecting other fruits commonly found in the region like mangosteen, and lanzones.
Last year, we shared our team’s and partner farmers’ observations on the changes we experience with climate and how it is affecting cacao production.We want to continue this as a way to raise awareness on the lived experiences of smallholder farmers and how it is affecting production of cacao which can subsequently affect their income. The recent report from MEDA for their RIISA Project briefly tackles the same dilemma, highlighting the vulnerability of farmers to the impacts of climate change [2]. It is observable in Davao that cacao farmers are facing challenges like droughts, prolonged and heavy precipitations, and unpredictable climate patterns that have been negatively affecting the productivity of their yield. Currently, while there are policies that aim to protect the climate and environment, there is still limited access to programs and services that can alleviate this. In addition, while current cacao farming practices do not encroach on protected areas, there is a risk of this occurring as the crop becomes a more important source of income for the region.
www.aurochocolate.com
30
Made with FlippingBook. PDF to flipbook with ease