A recent study by Spanish colleagues and Stéphane Saj at the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) examined how different cocoa farming systems affect the environment over the long term, comparing conventional monoculture cocoa with agroforestry systems.

Across the 12-year study, diversified cocoa systems consistently showed better environmental performance and higher overall productivity when considering all crops, not just cocoa. Well-managed agroforestry systems can achieve competitive cocoa yields while improving income stability, resource efficiency, and climate resilience, making them a strong long-term alternative to monoculture. As Stéphane Saj puts it: “If we are thinking about cocoa sourcing in the medium to long term, the message is clear: agroforestry systems are the way forward.”

The research findings and the challenges of adopting sustainable cocoa production systems are further explored in an interview conducted by the Swiss Platform for Sustainable Cocoa.

Read the full interview with Stéphane Saj by clicking on "read more".

A new partnership between Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) and the Obala Agricultural Institute (IAO) in Cameroon marks a significant step in strengthening agricultural research and training in Central Africa. Formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding signed with the support of Swiss and Cameroonian authorities, the collaboration aims to advance agroecology, education, and innovation across food systems. Together with partners such as Agroscope, the initiative will support applied research, academic exchange, and the development of an agroecology platform, contributing to long-term capacity building and sustainable agricultural development in the region.

A new synthesis by Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) highlights 16 years of research from the SysCom project in India, comparing organic and conventional cotton systems. The findings show that organic cotton can achieve up to 82–93 percent of conventional yields while delivering significant environmental and socio-economic benefits, including improved soil health, biodiversity, and farmer livelihoods. The study also emphasizes the importance of true cost accounting and continued research to support the transition toward sustainable agricultural systems in developing countries.

A project led by Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) examines the potential of dynamic agroforestry (DAF) systems as a sustainable alternative to cocoa monocultures. Focusing on case studies in Ecuador and Ghana, the project analyzes adoption patterns, economic viability, and key barriers faced by smallholder farmers. By assessing cost-benefit outcomes and sector dynamics, the initiative aims to generate evidence to support policy, investment, and programming decisions. Funded by the Swiss Platform for Sustainable Cocoa (SWISSCO) and Coop Switzerland, the project contributes to advancing resilient and environmentally sustainable cocoa value chains.

FiBL has launched a new project to develop simple tools for monitoring soil health in cocoa production systems. The initiative aims to identify practical soil health indicators that farmers and advisers can use directly in the field, supporting more sustainable cocoa farming. An initial online workshop brought together international experts to discuss indicators and measurement approaches, with further workshops planned to refine the framework.