The Cocoa and Coffee Farmers Alliance Association of Africa (COCEFAAA) has called for urgent reforms in global pricing structures, warning that African farmers are being left behind despite booming international cocoa and coffee markets.

The association said farmers across West, East, and Central Africa are facing worsening economic conditions due to extreme price volatility, even as global demand and market valuations for cocoa and coffee continue to rise sharply.

In a statement on Tuesday, COCEFAAA Global President, Adeola Adegoke, said the global cocoa and chocolate market is projected to grow significantly in the coming years, while the coffee industry is also expected to experience major expansion driven by premium and ready-to-drink products.

He, however, stressed that the growth has not translated into improved earnings for smallholder farmers who produce a large share of Africa’s cocoa and coffee output.

According to him, many farmers are still selling below production costs, making it difficult to afford fertilisers, labour, and improved seedlings, while some households are withdrawing children from school or reducing healthcare spending.

COCEFAAA described farmers as “economic shock absorbers” in the global supply chain, saying they bear the burden when prices fall but receive limited benefits when prices rise.

The association also raised concerns over the impact of climate change, noting that rising temperatures and irregular rainfall patterns are reducing yields and forcing some farmers to abandon or relocate farms.

It said the shift toward climate-resilient crops such as Fine Robusta coffee presents both challenges and opportunities, but only if adequate support is provided.

COCEFAAA called for three key interventions, including increased investment in agricultural research for drought- and pest-resistant crops, expansion of local processing and value addition in Africa, and stronger regional cooperation among producing countries to improve bargaining power.

The group also urged global buyers and manufacturers to adopt long-term purchasing agreements that guarantee stable and livable incomes for farmers, alongside increased investment in training and climate adaptation.

Adegoke said the future of the cocoa and coffee industries depends on fairer value distribution, warning that continued neglect of farmers could undermine global supply stability in the long term.