Comparing Energy Efficiency And Greenhouse Gas Emissions In Cacao Production Systems

Summary

High dependence on non-renewable energy and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are a clear symptom of unsustainability in food production systems. We compared the energy use and efficiency, the productivity and GHG emissions per ha and per kg of products harvested of 4 cacao production systems, i.e., agroforestry systems and monocultures under organic and conventional management during 5 years in a newly established experimental plantation. Our results showed that agroforestry systems and organic management reduced the demand of non-renewable energy and GHG, and increased the energy efficiency. In addition, the return of energy per unit of labour invested was higher in the agroforestry systems. Organic agroforests were the most sustainable systems according to the indicators analysed. Organic sector should discuss considering agroforests as part of the requirements for certification, since, in addition, they contribute to reduce deforestation and increase farmers’ livelihood and food security.