B&FT Editorial: Revitalising the cocoa sector

Chief Executive Officer-Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) Mr. Joseph Boahen Aidoo is confident the cocoa sector will receive a significant boost in coming years, with rehabilitated farms projected to add over 200,000 metric tonnes to the nation’s annual cocoa production.

COCOBOD expects to harvest 650,000 metric tonnes of cocoa this season, which is a notable decrease from the initial forecast of 810,000 metric tonnes. This is attributed to unfavourable weather conditions in the southwestern part of the country, and it reflects broader challenges faced by the sector – particularly in adapting to climate variability.

Despite these setbacks COCOBOD has implemented various measures to tackle the ongoing issues affecting cocoa production, including the Cocoa Rehabilitation Programme.

The initiative focuses on replanting diseased and unproductive cocoa farms. More than 40,000 hectares of cocoa farms have already been successfully rehabilitated and are ready for handing over to the beneficiary farmers.

These rehabilitated farms are expected to play a crucial role in revitalising Ghana’s cocoa industry. The projected increase of over 200,000 metric tonnes in the nation’s annual cocoa output is seen as a significant step toward boosting overall production.

COCOBOD has been actively promoting agroforestry practices among cocoa farmers in response to challenges posed by climate change.

Integrating trees and crops on the same farm, known as regenerative integrated farming, not only improves soil health and biodiversity but also provides shade for cocoa trees. This method helps mitigate the effects of climate change and contributes to more sustainable farming practices.

COCOBOD has also intensified efforts to promote climate-smart agricultural practices that enhance the resilience and productivity of cocoa farms.

Additionally, COCOBOD has significantly improved its extension officer-to-farmer ratio from 1,000 officers serving 3,000 farmers to 1,000 officers serving 600 farmers, bringing it closer to the Food and Agriculture Organisation’s recommended ratio.

The impact of this enhanced support has been evident in improved farming practices and increased productivity observed across the sector.

In line with these sustainability efforts, COCOBOD is also working with international partners to enhance the traceability of cocoa from farm to market. This traceability system is crucial in ensuring that Ghanaian cocoa meets the growing global demand for responsibly sourced products.