Mapping Sustainable Production in Ghanaian Cocoa

Abstract

Cocoa plays a key role in the development of Ghanaian economy. Growth in cocoa output can contribute to overall economic prosperity and reduction of poverty. There are now an estimated 720,000 cocoa farmers, but they have low productivity, and are highly vulnerable to poverty. To support sustainable expansion of the cocoa sector, Ghana needs to position itself in a chocolate confectionery industry that has undergone a significant process of change during the past decade. The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has played a pivotal role in positioning Ghana within the global market, and ensuring the quality of its cocoa exports. However, the Ghanaian cocoa sector faces a number of challenges, both internal and external, that need to be addressed to ensure the future sustainability of its production and position in the global cocoa-chocolate market. This is a brief summary of key findings from an independent research study carried out by a team from the Institute of Development Studies, University of Sussex and the Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, University of Ghana. The study was commissioned by Cadbury , but all information and views in the report are those of the authors alone. The research is based on a case study, which is not statistically representative of the whole sector, but aims to contribute to a better understanding of the challenges to enhancing sustainable cocoa production in the context of a changing global chocolate- confectionery market. The aim of the study was to examine the factors that make up sustainable production for cocoa farmers in Ghana, focusing on the socio-economic dimensions of sustainability. The study mapped the value chain linking chocolate manufacturers and processors to cocoa farmers in Ghana in order to assess: • The criteria for sustainable production from the perspective of cocoa farmers. • The incomes and social support currently going to cocoa farmers and the gap between current and sustainable production, suggesting factors that would enhance farmer livelihoods and contribute towards sustainable production. • How chocolate manufacturers can support Ghana’s cocoa value chain, to assess the contributions they can make to improve sustainable production for small producers in Ghana.