Cocoa

Theobroma cacao

Role: Primary cash crop and the centre of the agroforestry system

Spacing: 3m x 3m, planted between shade trees

Benefits: Main income source; thrives under structured shade; produces pods from year 3-4, peak production between years 7-20

Planting notes: Plant ideally one year after shade trees to allow early canopy establishment. Protect new seedlings from the afternoon sun using plantain to the west. Remove chupons regularly. Avoid canopy closure above 75%.