CASHEW, A RESPONSE TO THE COCOA CRISIS IN DIMBOKRO IN THE N'ZI REGION? (IVORY COAST)
Since colonial times, coffee and cocoa have been cash crops in Côte d'Ivoire. These crops are grown in forest areas. The N'Zi Region was one of the largest production areas. According to Yapi A., and Kouadio T., (1988, quoted by Aloko NG et al., 2014, p 309), in terms of area, this region occupied between 22% and 28% of cultivated areas with 28% of national production from 1950 to 1968. From 1969 to 1972, this proportion fell to less than 22%. Today, the N'zi region, headed by the Dimbokro Department, contributes 11% of national cocoa production (CI CTF report, 2006, p15). Cocoa plantations, once the pride of the local population, are in retreat in favor of cashew. It is this observation that forms the basis of our study, which aims to assess the manifestations of the cocoa crisis and its consequences in Dimbokro. The methodology adopted is based on documentary research on the one hand, and a field survey on the other. The documentary research enabled us to consult various documents relating to this subject. As for the field survey, a questionnaire was sent to fifty (50) randomly selected farmers in 5 localities based on their cashew production levels. In addition, interviews were conducted with managers of supervisory bodies (ANADER and OLAM) and with cooperatives. The data collected showed that the cocoa crisis is manifesting itself in several ways, notably in the reduction in the number of cocoa producers and the drop in yield per hectare. Meanwhile, cashew production is showing convincing results due to a number of factors.