GIZ supports COCOBOD’s extension services

The German International Development Cooperation (GIZ), one of Ghana Cocoa Board’s (COCOBOD) partners in cocoa sustainability, has presented twenty-five pieces of mini-projectors to support the Board’s extension works in some cocoa growing communities across the country.

Presenting the items to the Board, Ms. Charlotte Chirimuuta, Technical Advisor to GIZ recounted the long-standing relationship between GIZ and the Cocoa Health and Extension Division (CHED) a division of COCOBOD over the years adding, the partnership has led to the introduction and adoption of modern trends in cocoa farming.

According to her, the partnership is to attract young people into cocoa farming by educating them through digital means on Good Agronomic Practices (GAPs) to improve productivity and livelihood.

Ms Chirimuuta said, the introduction of small battery hand projectors has provided digital extension materials in the form of 3-D videos to train farmers and give them a better perspective of mechanised farming.

“We are handing over these gadgets to COCOBOD to continue the training programmes in the various farmer business schools. We believe that this will also strengthen the ties between our two companies”, she indicated.

On his part, a Deputy Chief Executive in charge of Operations, COCOBOD, Nana Oduro Owusu reiterated the Board’s commitment to boost cocoa production citing one of its flagship programmes; the hand pollination exercise which is geared toward raising the nation’s cocoa production yield significantly.

He also assured of COCOBOD’s commitment to working with them closely to ensure a sustainable cocoa economy,

Mr Emmanuel Opoku, Executive Director of CHED expressed his gratitude to GIZ for their support and assured them that COCOBOD would ensure that it is used for the intended purpose.

Mr Opoku added that the Board would continue to work with GIZ for technical advice and assistance when the need arises.

The GIZ of German Development Co-operation is an Agency that works for sustainable economic development and job creation across the country. It supports Ghana in a joint effort to keep economic growth sustainable.