The introduction of participative research concepts are expected to increase the efficiency when selecting for superior cocoa clones. As part of the CFC/ICCO/Bioversity International project on "Cocoa Productivity and Quality Improvement: a Participatory Approach", a survey was conducted to characterize the socioeconomic environment and cocoa production systems in three traditional cocoa production areas. This information will be used as a valuable input in the process of participatory selection of new cocoa clones adapted to these areas. The study took place during 2005 in the Northern area (province of Esmeraldas), Piedemonte in the central part (province of Bolivar, next to the Andes range), and the Llanuras (provinces of Guayas and Los Ríos), which is a flat area further south of the same central part. Thirty small farms were selected in each area and a survey made up of 58 questions along six main groups of indicators was applied. The indicators grouped socioeconomic traits, characteristics of the cocoa fields, factors limiting productivity, intensity of the technology applied, current planting material and farmers' interest in new cocoa varieties. Regarding the socioeconomic dimension, results showed that in average cocoa farmers are older (87% > 55 years) in the Llanuras, younger (26% > 55 years) in the Northern area, while having an intermediate age (38% > 55 years) in Piedemonte. Farmers have the highest level of literacy (50% > 6 school years) in Piedemonte and the lowest level in the Llanuras (3% > 6 school years). Most of them own and exploit their farms in the Northern and Llanuras areas. Some 25% do not own but rent the cocoa fields in Piedemonte (true owners live in nearby urban areas). The largest cocoa fields are found in the Llanuras (12% > 10 hectares) followed by the Northern part (3% > 10 hectares). Some 25% of the cocoa is grown without shade in the Llanuras, 13% in Piedemonte and only 6% in the Northern area. The number of