Modelling boom and bust of cocoa production systems in Malaysia

•We present a system dynamics model of boom and bust of cocoa in Malaysia.•Boom and bust of cocoa is the consequences of short-term benefit of higher yield at the expense of reducing the biodiversity.•Shaded plantation of cocoa is a promise for cocoa production which can significantly support biodiversity.•Simulated results indicate that the collapse of cocoa production systems can be avoided through biodiversity conservation.

Shaded plantation of cocoa is not only a promise for chocolate and cocoa farmers but also shaded cocoa production can significantly support biodiversity. However, boom and bust of cocoa production systems due to pest and diseases have prompted the farmers to abandon the cocoa cultivation. This paper presents system dynamics model to address the boom and bust of cocoa production systems in Malaysia as a case study. The simulated results indicate that the collapse of cocoa production systems can be avoided through biodiversity conservation and insect control resulting sustainable production systems and implementation of such policy demands adequate subsidy to retain high biodiversity, control pest and disease and attain acceptable yields through extension services through farmers field schools.