A study by Ivorian Coffee and Cocoa Council has found that 15% of cocoa farms in the world’s top grower of the produce are in protected forest areas.

The findings, seen by Reuters and presented to a European Union delegation in Abidjan, are the first of their kind.

The study further revealed that beyond the damage of such practice on the environment, it potentially breaches standards expected in the European union law.

It said the results of the census provides a reliable database, which is essential for the strategic development of the coffee and cocoa sector of the country.

Abdullahi Hassan has more in this report.