Our recent trip to Ghana offered a profound insight into the world of cocoa farming, chocolate production, and the challenges faced by those at the heart of the industry. Here are some key moments from our journey:
Everyday Life on a Cocoa Farm
We visited the cocoa farm of Brigitte and Enoch, where we witnessed firsthand the dedication and expertise required to cultivate high-quality cocoa. The complexity and effort involved in cocoa farming left us deeply impressed.
Tasting Creations by Local Bean-to-Bar Makers
We had the pleasure of sampling innovative chocolate creations from 57Chocolate and Bioko Treats. These tastings showcased the creativity and craftsmanship of Ghana’s local chocolate producers.
Exploring Innovative Approaches
Yayra Glover introduced us to organic cocoa farming and strategies for income diversification, which are critical for improving farmers’ livelihoods and ensuring sustainability.
Gold vs. Cocoa: A Troubling Reality
We observed the alarming spread of illegal gold mining in cocoa-growing regions. While cocoa often signifies poverty, the gold beneath the plantations represents potential wealth—yet at a high environmental cost, including polluted rivers and groundwater. This issue has sparked widespread concern across Ghana.
Connecting with Civil Society
The Ghanaian civil society network working on cocoa warmly welcomed us. We look forward to potential collaborations as we share a common goal of fostering sustainable practices in the industry.
Gaining Valuable Knowledge
Our journey deepened our understanding of dynamic agroforestry systems, the opaque pricing structures in the cocoa trade, and the political and social intricacies of cocoa regulation in Ghana.
This trip was an eye-opening experience that highlighted both the challenges and opportunities within the cocoa industry. It reinforced our commitment to supporting sustainable practices, amplifying farmers’ voices, and advocating for fairer systems in chocolate production worldwide.