Competitive yields in organic and agroforestry cacao cropping systems: results from 15 years of a long-term systems comparison trial in Bolivia

Abstract

Abstract Cacao production is facing challenges of low productivity due to low soil fertility and climate change. Agroforestry and organic farming are potential sustainable and climate-resilient alternatives, but they are often associated with lower yields compared to monocultures and conventional farming. Despite their potential, empirical data on the long-term productivity of cacao cultivated in complex agroforestry systems and under organic management remains limited. Expanding this evidence base is essential to inform the development of agricultural practices and policies that advance environmental sustainability and food security. To fill this gap, we present 15 years (2008–2022) of data on cacao production and associated crops of a unique long-term trial comparing five cacao cropping systems in Bolivia: organically and conventionally managed monocultures, diverse agroforestry systems under organic and conventional management, and successional agroforestry systems without external inputs. We collected data on yields along with detailed information on the design and agronomic management from the beginning of the trial. All systems achieved competitive cacao yields in the mature phase. Organic and conventional systems had similar cacao yields, while agroforestry systems reached 56% of monoculture yields. Total system yields of the agroforestry systems were up to 6.9 times higher than monocultures. In the successional agroforestry, 22 crops were harvested, with short life cycle crops contributing to one-third of total production. This study shows that staple food crops and fruit trees as well as high-value crops (coffee, ginger, curcuma) can be successfully combined with cacao, and that agroforestry designs can be adapted over time by adding or eliminating crops to meet new goals or market opportunities. Extensive research has highlighted the positive contributions of agroforestry and organic farming to the delivery of ecosystem services. This study provides empirical evidence that it is possible to design and implement systems that reconcile environmental sustainability with productive performance.