Unit 20 B3 Chocolate Industry and Cocoa Farming

What is a major issue faced by cocoa farmers according to the text?

• Pests and diseases

• Lack of access to markets

• Climate change

• Low prices for cocoa

Answer explanation

Cocoa farmers face a major issue with low prices for cocoa, which affects their income and sustainability. This economic challenge is more pressing than other factors like pests, market access, or climate change.

Where is most of the world's cocoa grown?

• West Africa

• South America

• Southeast Asia

• Central America

Answer explanation

Most of the world's cocoa is grown in West Africa, particularly in countries like Ivory Coast and Ghana, which together produce a significant portion of the global supply.

How many years does it take for a cocoa tree to grow pods?

• 2-3 years

• 5-6 years

• 10-12 years

• 15-20 years

Answer explanation

Cocoa trees typically start producing pods in 2-3 years after planting. This is the time needed for the tree to mature enough to bear fruit, making 2-3 years the correct answer.

What percentage of the world's cocoa comes from Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire?

• 60%

• 50%

• 70%

• 80%

Answer explanation

Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire together produce about 60% of the world's cocoa supply, making this the correct answer. This significant contribution highlights their importance in the global cocoa market.

The main challenges cocoa farmers face due to weather patterns are:

• Drought and irregular rainfall

• Pests and diseases

• Soil degradation

• Market price fluctuations

Answer explanation

Cocoa farmers primarily struggle with drought and irregular rainfall, which directly affect crop yield and quality. These weather patterns disrupt the necessary conditions for cocoa growth, making them the main challenges faced.

Cocoa farmers often face uncertainty as crops are at risk of _______.

• rain damage or disease

• pest infestation

• drought

• soil erosion

Answer explanation

Cocoa farmers face uncertainty due to various risks, but 'rain damage or disease' encompasses significant threats to crops, making it the most comprehensive choice compared to the other options.

What happens to cocoa beans after they are sold to traders?

• They are processed into chocolate products.

• They are used as animal feed.

• They are discarded as waste.

• They are stored indefinitely.

Answer explanation

After cocoa beans are sold to traders, they are typically processed into chocolate products. This is the primary use of cocoa beans, as they are transformed into various chocolate items enjoyed worldwide.

A typical cocoa farmer lives on less than one dollar a day in which region?

• West Africa

• South America

• Southeast Asia

• Central America

Answer explanation

West Africa is known for its high concentration of cocoa farmers who often live in extreme poverty, earning less than one dollar a day. This region is the largest producer of cocoa globally, making it the correct answer.

How does Fairtrade help cocoa farmers when the price of cocoa drops?

• By providing financial support to stabilize their income

• By increasing the price of cocoa

• By reducing the quality standards

• By eliminating competition

Answer explanation

Fairtrade helps cocoa farmers by providing financial support to stabilize their income when cocoa prices drop, ensuring they can maintain their livelihoods despite market fluctuations.

What is the Fairtrade minimum price?

• A specific price set for Fairtrade products

• A variable price depending on market conditions

• A price determined by individual farmers

• A price set by local governments

Answer explanation

The Fairtrade minimum price is a specific price set for Fairtrade products to ensure that farmers receive a fair income, regardless of market fluctuations. This supports sustainable farming practices and community development.