Research Article

Cocoa productivity-sustainability trade-off: A panel analysis of agricultural production system efficiency in West Africa

Volume: 6 Number: 1 April 20, 2026
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

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