Crop-diversification and organic management increase the energy efficiency of cacao plantations

•Organically managed cacao production systems need 67–77% less non-renewable energy per kg of crop harvest.•Cacao agroforestry systems are 4–5 times more energy efficient than monocultures.•Agroforestry systems have higher productivity per hour worked and per energy unit of work invested.•Agroforestry systems and organic management improve energy efficiency and diminish dependence on non-renewable energy.