Climate Change, Agricultural Transformation, and Cocoa Productivity in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Case Study of South Cameroon
Stévie Charnelle Pindo Ndoungla ORCID ↗ · Emile Franc Doungmo Goufo ORCID ↗
International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy · 2026 · Vol. 8 / Issue 5 · 515-530
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Abstract
Climate change and agricultural transformation are increasingly affecting cocoa production in Sub-Saharan Africa, where smallholder farmers face growing environmental and socioeconomic constraints. This study investigates their effects on cocoa productivity in the Mvila Division of South Cameroon, with particular attention to agricultural modernization, rainfall variability, cooperative membership, fertilizer use, and farm-level characteristics. The study combines qualitative evidence from administrative and policy documents with quantitative data from cocoa farmers and secondary sources, including MINADER, IRAD, FAOSTAT, ICCO, CHIRPS, and the National Cocoa and Coffee Board. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, multiple regression, robustness tests, and scenario projections were used to assess productivity across five subdivisions. The results show that cooperative membership, favourable rainfall conditions, farmer education, fertilizer use, and farm size significantly increase cocoa productivity, while ageing plantations reduce yields. Agricultural transformation has also strengthened farmer organizations, extension services, and adoption of improved practices, although mechanization remains constrained by inadequate infrastructure, limited finance, and uneven institutional support. Ebolowa I and Ebolowa II consistently record higher productivity, associated with stronger institutional support and greater adoption of improved practices. The study contributes empirical evidence on the interaction between climate variability and agricultural transformation in cocoa-producing smallholder systems and highlights the importance of combining climate-smart practices, plantation rehabilitation, producer organizations, extension services, and appropriate mechanization to improve productivity and strengthen farmers' resilience in Cameroon.
Keywords: {'name': 'Climate change'}, {'name': 'Agricultural transformation'}, {'name': 'Cocoa productivity'}, {'name': 'Climate-smart agriculture'}, {'name': 'Mechanization'}, {'name': 'Mvila Division Cameroon'}
Authors & affiliations
Stévie Charnelle Pindo Ndoungla
University of Yaoundé
Emile Franc Doungmo Goufo
University of South Africa
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