Team RAIN in collaboration with the Ghana Civil-society Cocoa Platform (GCCP) organized a Training of Trainers (ToT) workshops for Cocoa Cooperative leaders in the Nyinahin and Nkawie Cocoa Districts as part of the “Sustainability and Value Addition in Agricultural Supply Chains” pilot project. The workshop brought together 90 participants with key stakeholders including District Cocoa Officers: Mr. Bernard Amanor (Nyinahin) and Mr. Jaburg Rahim Nii Kortey (Nkawie), Mr. John Kweku Duah (Nkawie Cocoa Extension Coordinator) and Cocoa Extension Officers from both districts who shared valuable insights.

These workshops focused on building participants’ capacity on critical topics, including:
European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR): A Regulation that prevents operators and traders from exporting certain commodities (cattle, cocoa, coffee, oil palm, rubber, soya, and wood) and derived products to or from the EU unless they are “deforestation-free,” produced in accordance with the relevant legislation of the country of production, and accompanied by a due diligence statement that includes traceability information.
Productivity Enhancement Programs (PEPs): Initiatives designed by the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) in 2017 to focus primarily on four (4) interventions to improve cocoa yields, quality, and farmer livelihoods. The interventions that included: Hand Pollination on cocoa farms o Agro-forestry based Rehabilitation of Cocoa, Development of Cocoa Management System(CMS), Swollen Shoot Virus Diseased (CSSVD) cocoa farms, Mass Pruning and Irrigation.
African Regional Standard – 1000 (ARS-1000): A framework promoting sustainability, traceability, and ethical practices in cocoa production.

The training was climaxed with group discussions and presentations where farmers explored proactive roles in ensuring compliance with EUDR. Key action points included:
–         Hosting monthly education sessions for cocoa cooperatives to build awareness on EUDR requirements.
–         Encouraging farmers to map their farms and obtain cocoa cards for improved traceability.
–         Raising awareness on child labor and its implications.
–         Promoting the correct use of chemicals and adherence to recommended dosages.
–         Advocating the use of only approved fertilizers to enhance sustainable farming practices.

This initiative is a significant step towards empowering cocoa cooperative leaders to disseminate knowledge, fostering sustainability, and driving economic growth in Ghana’s cocoa sector. Together, we’re building a brighter future for cocoa communities!