UPSC Prelims 2024 Q5: Geography – Indian Agriculture & Land Use
Which of the following countries are well known as the two largest cocoa producers in the
world ?
- (a) Algeria and Morocco
- (b) Botswana and Namibia
- (c) Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana
- (d) Madagascar and Mozambique
Answer: (c) Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana
Explanation
World's largest cocoa producers
Cocoa grows in hot, humid tropical areas within about 20° of the Equator, needing 1,500–2,000 mm of rain and shade.
| Rank | Country | Approx. share of world output |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) | About 40% |
| 2 | Ghana | About 15–20% |
| 3 | Indonesia / Ecuador | Smaller shares |
The Gulf of Guinea coast of West Africa produces about 60% of the world's cocoa.
Other pairs in the options:
| Pair | Main products |
|---|---|
| Algeria and Morocco | Oil, gas, phosphates; too dry for cocoa |
| Botswana and Namibia | Diamonds, uranium; arid climate |
| Madagascar and Mozambique | Vanilla (Madagascar), cashew (Mozambique) |
Answer: (c) Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Algeria and Morocco are North African and largely arid; they do not grow cocoa commercially.
- (b) Incorrect. Botswana and Namibia are dry southern African countries known for diamonds.
- (c) CORRECT. Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana together produce about 60% of the world's cocoa.
- (d) Incorrect. Madagascar leads in vanilla, and Mozambique in cashew, not cocoa.
Key point
Cocoa: Côte d'Ivoire (1st) and Ghana (2nd), on the Gulf of Guinea — together about 60% of world output.
Remember
Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana are the world's two largest cocoa producers.
Common mistakes
- Assuming cocoa's origin (the Amazon) means South America leads production today; West Africa does.
- Confusing cocoa with coffee, where Brazil and Vietnam lead.
- Linking Madagascar with cocoa; Madagascar is famous for vanilla.
Exam tip
Gulf of Guinea = chocolate coast. Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana are next-door neighbours.
Sources
- FAO — FAOSTAT crop production data (cocoa beans)
- International Cocoa Organization (ICCO) — Quarterly Bulletin
- NCERT Class XII — Fundamentals of Human Geography (Primary Activities, Plantation Agriculture)