Consider the following text to answer the question.
Ivory Coast plans to buy the entire volume of cocoa that farmer groups cannot sell. The government wants to make sure farmers still receive money even though cocoa prices fall to the lowest level in two years.
Cocoa plays a very important role in the country because it makes up a large part of the economy and supports many families.
Exports slow down after chocolate makers use less cocoa when prices rise before. This situation causes large cocoa stocks to build up. The government now steps in and works with trusted local companies and international buyers to collect and buy the cocoa. Officials say this plan should protect farmers and keep the market stable.
Ivory Coast produces more cocoa than any other country in the world. About one out of five people depends on this work for their income. With prices down by about five dollars per kilo, many farmers face problems. The government hopes this action will support producers and prevent serious economic damage.
Based on the economic rationale presented in the text, the downward movement in cocoa prices is best explained by:
