Cocoa (book)

Cocoa is a 2018 book by Kristy Leissle, a lecturer in global studies at the University of Washington Bothell.^[1]

Cocoa

Author	Kristy Leissle
Publisher	Polity
Publication date	2018
ISBN	978-1-509-51316-1

The book covers cocoa's history, as well as contemporary production, economics, politics, trade, consumption and geography.^[2] In Cocoa, Leissle is critical of issues around cocoa including labor exploitation (both within and outside of Africa),^[3] gender inequalities, the fairness of 'fair trade',^[2] market concentration and ignorance regarding Africa's role in cocoa production.^[4] She is, however, optimistic for a future where farmers are valued.^[2] She argues for the environmental and financial benefits of farmers growing flavor cocoa, while saying this production will not grow to a large scale.^[5]

Multiple reviewers commented on the how concise the book was,^[3][1] to the point where James Field, writing in the magazine Geographical said it became dense at times, although this was balanced well by anecdotes.^[2] In his review, Field credited Leissle for recognizing her privileged position in discussing the topic.^[2]

See also

• Cocoa production in Ivory Coast
• Cocoa production in Ghana
• Child labour in cocoa production