TR
EN
Cocoa productivity-sustainability trade-off: A panel analysis of agricultural production system efficiency in West Africa
Abstract
This study investigates the productivity–sustainability trade-off in West African cocoa systems by examining how full-sun, partial-shade, smallholding, and agroforestry configurations balance yield performance with ecological integrity. Using a balanced panel dataset (1970–2020) from Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Nigeria, system efficiencies were estimated through pooled regression models with robust standard errors, incorporating biophysical factors, market signals, and system-type interactions. Results show a clear productivity gradient in which full-sun systems achieve the highest yields, while agroforestry incurs the greatest output penalty, particularly in Cameroon. Ghana’s partial-shade systems strike a more favourable balance between productivity and ecological preservation, whereas Nigeria’s smallholdings perform well but remain structurally inefficient. Côte d’Ivoire’s full-sun systems maintain high output at substantial environmental cost. The study concludes that ecological complexity reduces short-run yields but supports long-term resilience. It recommends tailored interventions, including ecosystem payments, regulated intensification, cooperative strengthening, and improved shade management.
Keywords
Supporting Institution
Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Nigeria
Ethical Statement
There were no human participants in the data gathering hence no ethics approval required
References
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Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Sustainable Agricultural Development
Journal Section
Research Article
Authors
Publication Date
April 20, 2026
Submission Date
November 17, 2025
Acceptance Date
January 20, 2026
Published in Issue
Year 2026 Volume: 6 Number: 1
APA
Ikuemonisan, E. (2026). Cocoa productivity-sustainability trade-off: A panel analysis of agricultural production system efficiency in West Africa. Eurasian Journal Of Agricultural Economics (EJAE), 6(1), 77-90. https://izlik.org/JA83WY75CN
AMA
1.Ikuemonisan E. Cocoa productivity-sustainability trade-off: A panel analysis of agricultural production system efficiency in West Africa. Eurasian Journal Of Agricultural Economics (EJAE). 2026;6(1):77-90. https://izlik.org/JA83WY75CN
Chicago
Ikuemonisan, Edamisan. 2026. “Cocoa Productivity-Sustainability Trade-Off: A Panel Analysis of Agricultural Production System Efficiency in West Africa”. Eurasian Journal Of Agricultural Economics (EJAE) 6 (1): 77-90. https://izlik.org/JA83WY75CN.
EndNote
Ikuemonisan E (April 1, 2026) Cocoa productivity-sustainability trade-off: A panel analysis of agricultural production system efficiency in West Africa. Eurasian Journal Of Agricultural Economics (EJAE) 6 1 77–90.
IEEE
[1]E. Ikuemonisan, “Cocoa productivity-sustainability trade-off: A panel analysis of agricultural production system efficiency in West Africa”, Eurasian Journal Of Agricultural Economics (EJAE), vol. 6, no. 1, pp. 77–90, Apr. 2026, [Online]. Available: https://izlik.org/JA83WY75CN
ISNAD
Ikuemonisan, Edamisan. “Cocoa Productivity-Sustainability Trade-Off: A Panel Analysis of Agricultural Production System Efficiency in West Africa”. Eurasian Journal Of Agricultural Economics (EJAE) 6/1 (April 1, 2026): 77-90. https://izlik.org/JA83WY75CN.
JAMA
1.Ikuemonisan E. Cocoa productivity-sustainability trade-off: A panel analysis of agricultural production system efficiency in West Africa. Eurasian Journal Of Agricultural Economics (EJAE). 2026;6:77–90.
MLA
Ikuemonisan, Edamisan. “Cocoa Productivity-Sustainability Trade-Off: A Panel Analysis of Agricultural Production System Efficiency in West Africa”. Eurasian Journal Of Agricultural Economics (EJAE), vol. 6, no. 1, Apr. 2026, pp. 77-90, https://izlik.org/JA83WY75CN.
Vancouver
1.Edamisan Ikuemonisan. Cocoa productivity-sustainability trade-off: A panel analysis of agricultural production system efficiency in West Africa. Eurasian Journal Of Agricultural Economics (EJAE) [Internet]. 2026 Apr. 1;6(1):77-90. Available from: https://izlik.org/JA83WY75CN