Tag: Cocoa

Key research findings and final reflections

Following a busy few weeks of write-up and last-minute incorporation of results, my MSc thesis has been submitted! Though challenging at times, it has been an enjoyable and rewarding experience overall. I’m grateful that I got the chance to carry out my placement in Vietnam, and my supervisors in CIAT and NUI Galway were supportive and encouraging throughout.

Have a look at the results section for an overview of the key research findings. Continue reading “Key research findings and final reflections”

First blog post – Cocoa production systems

Planning is well underway for my departure to Hanoi next week. I anticipate the change of scenery and new faces will help kick off the next phase of my research project which is a three-month placement in the Vietnam CIAT office.

My literature review research this last week has been focused on understanding what the various cocoa production systems are and why they’re used. Cocoa trees have historically been grown by smallholders within native tropical forests and as such they have a reputation as being a ‘shade-loving’ tree. Every cocoa production system offers different levels of shade to the cocoa trees. The choice of system may be constrained by a number of physical, economic or cultural factors such as climate or yield requirements. Continue reading “First blog post – Cocoa production systems”