Cocoa Markets and Value Chains: Dynamics and Challenges For Sao Tome and Principe Organic Smallholders

Despite measures to support organic cocoa production as part of São Tomé and Príncipe's (STP) development strategy, persistent imbalances in the global value chain continue to threaten the livelihoods of smallholder producers—who account for most exports—and ecosystem sustainability. The study reveals that these tensions stem from asymmetries in international markets and challenges specific to organic cocoa production in STP. Using panel data analysis from FAOSTAT, researchers examined the dynamics of the cocoa value chain, highlighting its potential but also the structural barriers hindering smallholders' economic viability and ecological stewardship.

Prazeres, I., Lucas, M. R., & Marta-Costa, A. (2021). Cocoa Markets and Value Chains: Dynamics and Challenges For Sao Tome and Principe Organic Smallholders. International Journal of Innovation and Economic Development, 7(2), 64–76. https://doi.org/10.18775/ijied.1849-7551-7020.2015.72.2005