The dry season in Ivory Coast runs from mid-November to March, a period during which rainfall is typically scarce. Despite this, farmers had initially hoped for a steady harvest of cocoa pods until late January. However, with the Harmattan winds continuing to blow and no significant rain in sight, the situation is becoming increasingly dire. Albert N’Zue, a farmer based near Daloa, expressed his concern that the lack of rain, combined with the strong Harmattan, would lead to significantly reduced cocoa production starting in February. He mentioned that if the wind continued at its current intensity, the trees would become stressed, leading to lower yields. Buyers are keen to secure beans before the end of the year and are offering higher-than-usual prices to ensure they meet their contract demands. However, this may not be enough to mitigate the long-term effects of the harsh weather conditions on cocoa production.

In contrast, some regions of Ivory Coast are faring better due to more favorable weather patterns. Areas such as Abengourou and Agboville have received above-average rainfall, which has provided ideal growing conditions for cocoa trees. In these regions, farmers are more optimistic about the prospects for the upcoming months. Roger Koffi, a farmer near Abengourou, believes the continued rain will help sustain cocoa production into February and beyond, even though the Harmattan winds persist. While cocoa farmers in other regions remain concerned about the potential for reduced yields, those in areas with adequate rainfall remain hopeful that the crop will thrive. The situation highlights the varying impacts of the Harmattan across different parts of the country, with weather conditions playing a key role in determining the fate of the cocoa harvest.