Cocoa farming in Ghana, the world’s second largest source of cocoa, requires ongoing investment and support to secure its long-term sustainability and to improve the livelihoods of its cocoa farmers, according to new research findings published today.
Commissioned by leading confectionery company Cadbury, and carried out by the Institute of Development Studies and the University of Ghana, the study examines the current state of cocoa farming in Ghana, identifies the potential social and economic obstacles that may face the country’s 720,000 cocoa farmers, and suggests solutions to address the issues facing the long term, sustainable production of Ghanaian cocoa. Please download the study here.
Ghana produces some of the highest quality cocoa in the world, thereby commanding a premium on the world market. However, cocoa productivity in the West African nation is threatened by a number of key production, quality and social challenges highlighted in the report today’s report. To secure the next 100 years of sustainable cocoa production, the report suggests the following improvements:
- Advance agricultural practices and training to address low average cocoa yields in Ghana, which could be increased from 400 kg per hectare to 1,000 kg per hectare.
- Modernise farming practices and introduce labour saving devices to improve efficiency and encourage cocoa farming as an occupation.
- Address land constraints and open up access for cocoa farming to enlarge farms as a means of expanding output.
- Enhance farming community infrastructure and amenities to help raise cocoa productivity and support rural development. All farmers cited the need for better social amenities such as electricity, water, transportation, education, health services and housing.
- Provide access to finance for successful farming, namely to hire labour or purchase land for expansion.
- Enable and support access to various cocoa markets, including high-value niche and mainstream-quality.
- Develop opportunities for alternative income streams
Dr Stephanie Barrientos, who led the research said:
"We are delighted that the findings of this report, which looks at the current and future challenges faced by cocoa producers, will inform the necessary business and social decisions required to address the future sustainability of cocoa production in Ghana and improving the lives of their farmers."
Speaking at an event in London to launch the research, David Croft, Conformance & Sustainability Director of Cadbury said:
"Cocoa is one of our most important ingredients. Within the clear business imperative to secure our supply chain, there is also a social imperative to support the lives of cocoa farmers and their families upon whom we depend. After a century of work in Ghana, Cadbury is looking to the next 100 years, and this study highlights the need for a more radical and community-centred approach.
"This is why we launched the Cadbury Cocoa Partnership in January this year which puts community empowerment at the heart of our programme. With our partners in Ghana we are helping cocoa farming communities develop and deliver their vision for the future, improving productivity, livelihoods, rural enterprise and amenities. The Cocoa Partnership is helping farmers make this happen, making a real difference in rural communities for farmers and their families, and helping support their own and our sustainable future."