By Efe Onodjae
The Cocoa and Coffee Farmers Alliance Association of Africa (COCEFAAA) has raised an alarm over worsening conditions facing cocoa and coffee farmers across the continent, despite projections that the global markets for both commodities could reach a combined value of over $700 billion in the coming decade.
In a statement on Monday, and signed by the association president, Adeola Adegoke, said while the cocoa market is projected to rise to $245.97 billion by 2031 and coffee to about $486.2 billion by 2035, African farmers, who account for about 70 per cent of global cocoa production and 12.5 per cent of coffee output, continue to grapple with price volatility and economic hardship.
COCEFAAA described the situation as a “paradox,” where rising global valuations contrast sharply with declining livelihoods at the farm level.
“The global cocoa and coffee commodities landscape is standing at a historic crossroads,” the statement read. “While market valuations surge toward record highs, farmers at the base of the supply chain face economic instability.”
The group noted that growth in the cocoa market is being driven by increased demand for premium and health-conscious products such as dark chocolate, alongside expansion in Europe and emerging consumption trends in Asia. It added that the coffee market is witnessing rapid growth due to premiumisation and the rise of ready-to-drink products.
However, COCEFAAA said these positive global trends have not translated into improved welfare for farmers in West, East and Central Africa, who it described as “economic shock absorbers” in the value chain.
According to the association, falling global prices often push farmers below production costs, leading to severe consequences such as food insecurity, withdrawal of children from school and lack of access to healthcare.
“For many families, cocoa and coffee are not mere commodities; they are the only lifeline,” the statement added.
The group also warned that continued neglect of farmers could undermine the sustainability of the global supply chain, as declining incomes limit farmers’ ability to invest in inputs, labour and climate-resilient practices.
To address the challenges, COCEFAAA called for urgent structural reforms, including increased investment in agricultural research and development, the establishment of local processing and roasting facilities, and stronger regional collaboration among African producing countries.
It further urged global manufacturers to adopt long-term purchasing agreements that guarantee farmers a living income, rather than relying on short-term market pricing.
“Price volatility must no longer be a burden borne exclusively by the producer,” the association stated.
COCEFAAA also advocated for greater investment in farmer training, access to subsidised inputs, and support for climate-resilient crop varieties to safeguard future production.
The association stressed the need for Africa to diversify its markets by strengthening trade ties with Asia, particularly India, to reduce dependence on traditional Western markets.
Speaking on the projections, COCEFAAA Global President, Comrade Adeola Adegoke, said it would be unjust for the industry to record massive growth while farmers remain impoverished.
“We cannot talk about a $245 billion cocoa market or a $486.2 billion coffee market while the people growing the beans are struggling to put food on their tables,” he said.
He added that the success of the industry depends on prioritising farmer welfare as the foundation of the supply chain.