Proforest and Fairtrade partner to launch Initiative for Deforestation-Free Cocoa Supply Chains in Ghana

The new project ‘Partnership for Deforestation- free Cocoa supply chains’ (P4DCG) aim to transform the cocoa sector with regenerative agriculture.  The project, funded by the International Climate Initiative (IKI) targets over 14,000 smallholder cocoa farming households in Ashanti, Eastern, and Ahafo Regions, with 35% women participation.

The P4DCG project will focus on skills development on agroecology, traceability systems, financial inclusion, gender equality and youth inclusion. Some expected outcomes are improved cocoa productivity through regenerative agriculture and improved producers’ income through financial inclusion and diversification.  

The project has the potential to change the way we do our cocoa farming from current unsustainable practices to more sustainable regenerative agricultural practices that will contribute to soil conservation, increase yield in the long term and meet any market requirements including EUDR;

James Parker, Head of Proforest Africa Programmes said.

This project directly contributes to climate change adaptation efforts in Ghana which supports the objectives of the Ghana REDD+ Strategy.

"Initiatives like the P4DCG project, that target cocoa landscapes with the overall aim to transform the sector with regenerative, climate-resilient practices, align with Fairtrade Africa’s strategic goals of sustainable farming systems and transformed, inclusive and strengthened producer organisations;” Chris Oluoch, Programmes Director of Fairtrade Africa explained.

Ghana is grappling with the severe issue of deforestation, marked by the extensive clearing of forests. By supporting cocoa farming communities in adopting climate-smart practices and implementing dynamic agroforestry, this project will contribute to safeguarding Ghana's forests and preserving its rich biodiversity.

The Union President of Asutifi North Cooperative, Nana Sarpong, highlighted the devastating impact of climate change on cocoa production and urged farmers to adopt sustainable practices such as organic farming during the project launch.