In 2019, we started up our cocoa programme in Ghana. This was our first time venturing into West Africa’s cocoa sector. In 2023, we worked with 5,754 producers.
Since our start in the country, we have been able to scale up our programme, brokering relationships with supermarkets and companies, so that cooperatives can take part in sustainability programmes they have set up and form inclusive business relationships.
Sustainable Cocoa and Coffee programme highlights for 2023
By 2023, 251 Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) had been established, with more than half of the 5,754 participants being women, promoting financial inclusion and gender equality. Community-developed nutrition resources were introduced to improve dietary practices. The Youth in Cocoa Services (YCS) programme trained 20 young people in proper spraying, pruning and pest identification. This initiative promotes youth entrepreneurship as an alternative to child labour. Farmers were also trained in climate-smart cocoa practices and the use of agroforestry techniques to combat deforestation. Rikolto also launched the DANIDA-funded Wassa Amenfi Cocoa Landscape Initiative Project in partnership with Solidaridad West Africa, Preferred by Nature and Ferrero. This project aims to further improve the social and environmental sustainability of cocoa farming in Ghana.
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