Approximately 8,000 cocoa farmers from the Cocoa Abrabopa Association have benefited from the CAA's 39 cocoa operational areas.
In a remarkable display of commitment to sustainable agriculture, the Cocoa Abrabopa Association (CAA), a farmer-based organization, has paid GH¢9.2 million in premiums to cocoa farmers across the cocoa-growing regions in Ghana.
The cash premium, known as the Sustainability Differential, is part of the Rainforest Alliance Certification Programme and serves to motivate farmers to adhere to sustainable farming practices while improving their living conditions.
The Sustainability Differential is an additional mandatory cash incentive earned by farmers on their produce for the 2022/2023 crop season.
With this initiative, each farmer received an extra GH¢52.50 per bag of certified cocoa sold to the association. Approximately 8,000 cocoa farmers from the CAA's 39 cocoa operational areas have benefited from this program.
What makes this initiative even more commendable is that all beneficiary farmers received their payments via mobile money, eliminating the need for them to travel to the association's office in Kumasi. This streamlined process ensures that farmers can efficiently access their premiums without additional hurdles.
The Regional Manager of CAA, Ebenezer Agbozo, highlighted the impact of the sustainability program during a durbar of stakeholders in Anyinam, Eastern Region.
He revealed that the sustainability program has supported several developmental projects in education, water, and sanitation across the 39 cocoa operational areas, promoting environmental sustainability and eliminating negative farming practices such as child labor.
CAA has been proactive in fulfilling its corporate social responsibility to the sector by deploying various initiatives to assist farmers in increasing their yields and promoting environmental sustainability.
"We at Abrabopa have also embarked on other sustainability programs such as afforestation, accessible soil, Sustainable Environment Project, Child Labor Monitoring Projects, and Living Income Projects," Agbozo stated.
He also highlighted the increase in women's participation in the programs, reaching around 30% in the Eastern Region over the last three years, showcasing the association's commitment to inclusivity and gender equality.
The Council Chairman for CAA, Ismaila Pomasi, emphasized the substantial investments made by Abrabopa and its partners into the Sustainability Programme, contributing to infrastructural facilities and cash premiums.
The regional durbars organized in 2023 have provided a significant platform for farmers, council members, and management to exchange ideas and strategize for the association's growth and development.
The Ag. Executive Secretary and Chief Finance and Operations Manager for CAA, Patrick John Van Brakel, underscored the importance of the durbars, serving as opportunities for members to verify the total volumes of certified beans delivered to the association and sign their premium letters.
Brakel urged farmers to produce quality cocoa that meets the standards, increases local sourcing, and contributes to the local economy, setting a target of 16,000 tonnes for the 23/24 crop season.
CAA's dedication to promoting sustainable practices and investing in the well-being of its farmers exemplifies the positive impact that the cocoa industry can have on communities and the environment.
With their focus on sustainability and continuous improvement, the Cocoa Abrabopa Association sets a standard for responsible farming practices in the cocoa-growing regions of Ghana.
Source: Tellusghana || Ewura Ama
