Cocoa Economy in São Tomé and Príncipe 

The Cocoa Economy in São Tomé and Príncipe

São Tomé and Príncipe, a small archipelago in the Gulf of Guinea, has a rich agricultural legacy influenced by Portuguese colonial policies and global market dynamics. This overview examines the history of the cocoa economy, from its introduction in the early 19th century to its current status, providing insight for travel specialists and historians.

Introduction and Early Development

The cocoa economy in São Tomé and Príncipe began in 1819 when Portuguese merchant João Carlos de Silva introduced cocoa plants from Brazil. The first cocoa tree matured on Príncipe by 1824. The islands' equatorial climate, characterized by plentiful rainfall (1,500–2,000 mm annually), was highly conducive to cocoa cultivation, providing a stark contrast to the challenges faced during the earlier sugar cane phase, which had dominated the islands in the 16th and 17th centuries.Although coffee had been introduced earlier in 1787 by Brazilian priest João Antonio do Couto, cocoa quickly surpassed coffee as the dominant cash crop due to its higher profitability and suitability to the islands' conditions. Recognizing the potential of cocoa for economic development, the Portuguese government invested in infrastructure in the late 19th century, paving the way for the establishment of "roças," or large plantation systems managed by Portuguese companies that relied upon African labor.

The peak of the Cocoa Economy

By 1908, São Tomé had become the world's largest cocoa producer, with annual production reaching 35,000 tons. The islands earned the nickname "Chocolate Islands" due to the high quality of their Amelonado cocoa. The self-contained roças served as the backbone of the economy, encompassing hospitals, schools, and churches and employing thousands of contract laborers (serviçais) from Angola, Cape Verde, and Mozambique after the abolition of slavery in 1875.

The integration of cocoa cultivation with other crops, such as bananas and breadfruit, contributed to food security, leading to recognition in 2024 as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System. However, the cocoa economy was not without controversy; reports of forced labor and abuses against African workers emerged, leading to international boycotts of cocoa products from São Tomé by manufacturers like Cadbury.

Socially, a rigid racial hierarchy prevailed during this period, with Portuguese colonos at the top, followed by forros and mestizos, while serviçais occupied the lowest rung of the social ladder. This hierarchy reinforced spatial and social segregation across the islands.

Decline and Post-Independence Challenges

The independence of São Tomé and Príncipe in 1975 marked a watershed moment for the cocoa economy. The Movement for the Liberation of São Tomé and Príncipe (MLSTP) nationalized the roças, resulting in most Portuguese colonists fleeing the islands due to fears of a communist government. This transition led to a sharp decline in cocoa production, with output dropping from 35,000 tons in 1908 to approximately 5,000 tons by the late 20th century due to mismanagement and lack of technical expertise.

Economic challenges stemming from droughts, unsustainable agricultural practices, and reliance on foreign aid persisted, with cocoa continuing to account for 95% of exports by the late 20th century. However, competition from larger cocoa-producing countries like Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana increased substantially during this period.

Land reform initiatives in the 1990s aimed to redistribute roça lands to ex-serviçais, which helped narrow some socioeconomic gaps, but full integration and equality remained elusive.

Current Status and Revival Efforts

As of March 2025, the cocoa economy maintains an important role in the islands' agricultural landscape. Revival efforts focus on sustainable agriculture and fair trade practices. The government, along with international organizations like the FAO, has recognized the importance of preserving the islands' agricultural heritage. Former roças, such as Monte Café and Água Izé, have been transformed into tourist attractions, showcasing historical architecture and offering educational tours.

While cocoa production has stabilized at around 3,000–5,000 tons annually, there is an increasing emphasis on producing high-quality, organic cocoa to compete in niche markets. The cultural legacy of the cocoa economy is still evident, with local festivals and music reflecting the plantation era.

Despite these efforts, challenges such as climate change and limited arable land continue to impact cocoa production. As of 2025, around half the population lives below the poverty line, particularly affecting rural ex-serviçais and angolares.