KEY POINTS
- Ghana’s new initiative promotes sustainable cocoa farming through multi-stakeholder collaboration.
- SECO is funding the project, with involvement from the UNDP, COCOBOD, and the Forestry Commission.
- It aims to combat deforestation, increase farm resilience, and boost farmer incomes.
Ghana has launched the “Effective Collaborative Action for Sustainable Commodity Production and Trade,” an initiative to promote sustainable cocoa farming practices.
According to a report by United Nations Development Program, This effort demonstrates Ghana’s commitment to balancing economic development with environmental protection. The project aims to achieve this by addressing deforestation, improving farmer livelihoods, and enhancing long-term cocoa production.
A global collaboration
The initiative marks the third phase of the Green Commodities Programme, which began in 2010 with global and local partners, including the United Nations Development Programme, the Ghana Cocoa Board, and the Forestry Commission. The project is funded by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs.
This collaboration aims to encourage environmentally responsible cocoa farming while improving the welfare of Ghana’s more than 800,000 cocoa farmers.
Its third phase targets sustainable cocoa farming in hotspot intervention areas where deforestation and forest degradation are prevalent. The initiative seeks to strengthen cooperation among farmers, local leaders, and government bodies to reduce deforestation, improve farm resilience, and increase farmers’ income.
Why this initiative matters
Cocoa farming is a cornerstone of Ghana’s economy but also presents environmental challenges. Unsustainable farming has led to deforestation, damaging ecosystems and reducing yields.
The new initiative is focused on enhancing the circumstances of cocoa farmers. Especially those who are dealing with the challenges presented by fluctuating market prices and unreliable crop yields.
As global demand for fairly harvested cocoa grows, this initiative allows Ghana to meet that demand, presenting opportunities for farmers to attain premium prices for organic items.
These aligns with international efforts, including the REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) program and the 2021 Glasgow World Leaders Declaration on Forests and Land Use, which aims to end deforestation by 2030.
A path toward sustainability
As the world increasingly demands products produced responsibly, Ghana’s cocoa industry could serve as a model for other countries seeking to promote sustainable agricultural practices. With continued support from its international partners, Ghana’s initiative has the potential to transform its cocoa sector.
