Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 3 — Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana

Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) and Ghana are the two largest cocoa producers in the world, together accounting for more than 60% of global cocoa production. West Africa dominates cocoa production, with these two countries leading the industry due to favorable climatic conditions and extensive cultivation.

📝 Short Notes: Global Cocoa Production

• West Africa's Dominance: West Africa produces approximately 70% of the world's cocoa, with Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana being the top two producers globally.
• Côte d'Ivoire: The world's largest cocoa producer, accounting for about 40-45% of global production, with approximately one million cocoa farmers supplying major companies like Nestlé, Mars, and Hershey.
• Ghana: The second-largest producer, contributing about 20% of global cocoa production, known for high-quality cocoa beans.
• Other Producers: Indonesia, Ecuador, Cameroon, and Nigeria are other significant cocoa-producing countries, but their combined output is much less than West Africa.
• Climatic Requirements: Cocoa thrives in tropical climates with high temperatures (21-32°C), high humidity, and well-distributed rainfall, typically within 10-20 degrees of the equator.
• Environmental Impact: Large-scale cocoa cultivation has led to significant deforestation in West Africa, particularly in Côte d'Ivoire, where forests have been cleared for cocoa plantations.
• Economic Significance: Cocoa is a major export commodity for West African countries, providing livelihoods for millions of smallholder farmers but also facing challenges like price volatility and labor issues.