By: Sampson Kumah Ifeetwube Elvis
Photo credit: Mondelez International
Cocoa farmers in Ghana face numerous challenges, such as aging trees, pests, and diseases. In response to these difficulties, Cocoa Life has partnered with Tree Global, a large-scale nursery operator, to produce high-quality cocoa seedlings.
These seedlings are distributed to farmers to rehabilitate degraded farmlands and improve farmers’ livelihoods. Upon registering for the Cocoa Life program, farmers participate in a training program that covers various agricultural skills, such as pruning techniques, to increase yield.
They also have the opportunity to tour demonstration plots to see the results firsthand. If a farmer decides to rehabilitate their farm, they receive high-quality planting materials to support this process. Currently, there is a high demand for these seedlings.
One of the farmers benefiting from this initiative is Ohene Boafo, a 33-year-old cocoa farmer, father of eight, and president of the Atta-Ne-Atta Cooperative Society and West Akyem Cooperative Union. In the following narrative, he shares his experience of rehabilitating his five cocoa farms.
The Decision to Rehabilitate My Farms
When I decided to rehabilitate my cocoa farms, my neighbors were quite surprised. To make room for the new seedlings, I had to cut down trees that were still bearing fruit and generating income. Many farmers discouraged me, expressing concerns that it would take years before I could harvest again. But I was determined to make a change.
At the time, my trees were 28 years old, and their yield was minimal. During a Cocoa Life training on Good Agricultural Practices, I learned that maintaining these old trees was no longer economically viable. This realization was reinforced when I visited the demonstration plots, where I saw thriving trees that looked nothing like mine. It became clear to me that I needed to transform my farms.
Support from Cocoa Life
Through the Cocoa Life program, I received high-quality seedlings from Tree Global. Unlike ordinary seedlings, these are grown in the right medium—rather than regular soil—and placed in plastic containers to protect their rooting systems. Shading nets are also used to shield the seedlings from the harsh sun. The quality of these seedlings was impressive, but the rehabilitation process itself was not easy.
It took about two to two and a half years for the seedlings to begin bearing fruit. During this period, my family’s income was severely affected, and it was a struggle to make ends meet. To manage this, I rehabilitated my farms in phases, relying on other food crops to sustain us.
Adopting Good Agricultural Practices
As the trees began to grow, I applied the Good Agricultural Practices I had learned. Pruning, for example, became a crucial task. I had always thinned my trees before, but now I understood the importance of removing diseased branches and excess foliage to allow more sunlight to reach the fruit-bearing parts of the tree. I used a ladder, machete, and pruner to reach the higher branches. Throughout the rehabilitation process, Community Extension Agents regularly visited my farm to offer guidance and support.
A Transformed Farm and Improved Livelihood
My hard work and persistence have paid off. Today, I have healthy, flourishing trees that produce abundant fruit. One of my neighbors jokingly claimed that I must be using black magic because there is always fruit to harvest on my farm. After seeing the transformation of my farm, many other farmers have decided to join the Cocoa Life program.
I believe the changes brought about by Cocoa Life will have a lasting impact on the future of cocoa farming. With improved planting materials and better farming practices, farmers can increase their yields and, in turn, improve their livelihoods.
Since adopting Good Agricultural Practices, my income has grown significantly. I can now support my family and provide my children with the best education. The decision to rehabilitate my farms through Cocoa Life has truly transformed my life for the better.
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