Footage shows cocoa farmers in West Africa on March 1 as shortages cause a surge in chocolate prices with Easter approaching.

The farmers uses traditional methods of harvesting, climbing up the tree without harness and using a bolo to cut the fruit off a branch at a small plantation in Uganda. With their hands, they cut up the fruit and take the beans out still inside the pulp.

Cocoa production in West Africa accounts for around 70 per cent of global supply but harvests fell by 11 per cent this year. Prices hit a record high this month due to El Nino weather conditions, pests, and diseases impacting crops.

Prices of cocoa beans have surged to all-time highs in recent months. Cocoa futures in New York have doubled from the same period last year while last week, cocoa futures in London traded at a record high of 5,827 GBP per tonne compared with 1,968 GBP on the same date last year.

With Easter approaching in April, there are concerns that the recent chocolate price surges could lead to pricier Easter eggs and potential shortages of some items.