Introducing (IP)-EPIC, an exciting new project on sustainable cocoa ecosystems!

Production of cocoa depends on insect pollinators transferring pollen between flowers. Most information suggests this is primarily Ceratopogonidae midges (especially Forcipomyia). But which species are most effective? Which other insects play a role? What effects their abundance and activity? How can we increase them? And can manual pollination effectively and sustainably offer an alternative route to cocoa production?

This new project is based in the Ashanti region of Ghana and will address these issues between 2022 and 2026.