Evaluation of Opportunity Costs in Cocoa Production in Three Ecological Zones in Ivory Coast

This article examines production costs in cocoa farming in Ivory Coast, West Africa, taking opportunity costs into account. The data used come from surveys of 228 farmers in three areas of the country: Bonon, Soubré and Biankouma. The choice of these zones was based on an East-West gradient. The opportunity cost approach was used to estimate the cost of using family labor (FL) and land. Financial costs for the various production operations were also estimated. Comparative analyses between different localities and cropping systems were carried out to elucidate specificities in terms of workload. Finally, a Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was carried out to profile producers according to income level and associated profit. The results showed that FL is the main component of cocoa production costs. Prices paid to farmers do not always cover all production costs, and 38% of farmers produce at a loss. Production costs are contingent on agroecological zones. Moreover, agroforestry proved to be more economical in terms of labor than the full-sun system. These results underline the importance of taking opportunity costs into account when assessing production costs and setting cocoa prices. This could lead to a revision of pricing mechanisms to ensure fair remuneration for FL.