Question
Here is the question : AFRICA IS NOW THE PRIMARY PRODUCER OF WHAT NATIVE CENTRAL AMERICAN CROP?
Option
Here is the option for the question :
- Chile peppers
- Corn
- Cocoa
- Sweet potato
The Answer:
And, the answer for the the question is :
Explanation:
Around 3,900 years ago, cocoa first appeared in Central and South America, where it is believed to have originated. It was reported that the Aztec emperor Montezuma drank 50 glasses of hot chocolate every day because of the energizing and sexual effects of the beverage. However, as of right now, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Nigeria are the three countries that produce the most cocoa, and Africa is responsible for the export of more than two-thirds of the world’s cocoa. The United States, Germany, and the Netherlands are the top three countries in terms of the amount of goods they import.
Cocoa: Africa’s Rise as the Primary Producer of a Native Central American Crop
Cocoa, the beloved ingredient that gives chocolate its irresistible taste, has a long and fascinating history. While Central America is often associated with the origins of cocoa, it is Africa that has emerged as the primary producer of this native Central American crop. The story of cocoa’s journey from the ancient civilizations of Mesoamerica to the thriving plantations of Africa is a testament to the resilience of agriculture and the global interconnectedness of trade.
The cultivation of cocoa can be traced back over 3,000 years to the ancient Mayans and Aztecs, who revered the cacao tree and its beans. In Mesoamerican cultures, cocoa was considered a divine gift, used in religious ceremonies and as a form of currency. The beans were ground into a paste and mixed with water and spices to create a bitter and frothy beverage known as “xocoatl,” a precursor to the hot chocolate we enjoy today.
When the Spanish conquistadors arrived in the Americas in the 16th century, they encountered cocoa for the first time. Fascinated by its exotic taste and cultural significance, they brought cocoa beans back to Europe, where it quickly gained popularity among the nobility. The Spanish guarded the secret of cocoa cultivation and production for nearly a century, allowing them to maintain a monopoly on this valuable commodity.
It wasn’t until the 19th century that cocoa cultivation expanded beyond Central America. European colonizers, seeking to replicate the success of cocoa plantations, introduced the crop to various regions around the world. Africa, with its favorable climate and suitable growing conditions, emerged as an ideal location for cocoa cultivation.
The first successful cocoa plantations in Africa were established on the island of São Tomé and Príncipe in the Gulf of Guinea. The Portuguese, who controlled the island, brought cocoa seeds from Brazil and planted them in the fertile soil. This marked the beginning of Africa’s ascent as a major cocoa producer.
The African continent’s tropical climate, rich soil, and abundant rainfall provided optimal conditions for cocoa cultivation. Countries such as Ghana, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, and Cameroon soon became prominent players in the global cocoa market. Today, Africa accounts for the majority of the world’s cocoa production, with the Ivory Coast alone being the largest producer, followed closely by Ghana.
The shift in cocoa production from Central America to Africa brought about significant economic and social changes. The cultivation of cocoa became a vital source of income for many African farmers, providing employment opportunities and contributing to economic development. However, challenges such as fluctuating prices, climate change, and the prevalence of child labor in some cocoa-producing regions continue to be areas of concern that require attention and intervention.
Cocoa farming is a labor-inten