encouraging sustainable, responsible cocoa growing

Entry:Bill Guyton

Dear Readers,

Today, the World Cocoa Foundation hosted 16 students and two teachers from the Maret School (www.maret.org). Maret's field trip to our office was part of a globalization course being taught by Mr. Bill Braveman. As luck would have it, Sustainable Tree Crops Program (STCP) Nigeria Country Coordinator, Mr. Chris Okafor, was in Washington and joined us. He described in detail the "farmer field schools" and other efforts underway to empower small-scale cocoa farmers in West Africa. Here is a copy of our presentation.

Overall, I was very impressed by the depth of questions and their interest and understanding the students had of the cocoa supply chain. One student had even been to Ghana recently.

Questions included:

1. What is the role of the industry members in World Cocoa Foundation, beyond financial contributions?

WCF industry members help to finance the programs, as well as to provide technical input. Companies do not own farms, but some have experts in agronomy, bean quality, and post harvest handling, who can help farmers enhance their yields, quality and marketing practices.

Chris Okafor described in detail, the West Africa program which are helping many small scale farmers. Graduates of the "farmer field schools" report income improvements of 22-50%. They also use fewer pesticides and follow safer farmer practices. A new phase of the Sustainable Tree Crops Program (STCP) will reach over 150,000 farmers in West Africa in the next five years. Countries who are benefiting from the program include: Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon and Liberia.

2. How can West African governments be trusted to report accurately on labor certification?

The certification process is being carried out under the leadership of the governments of Ghana and Ivory Coast, in partnership with industry, non-government organizations, and local community groups. The results of certification will be overseen by an independent third party group with expertise in rural agriculture and auditing mechanisms. This group will Verify that the process followed and the results presented are objective and accurate. The target is to certify 50 percent of the cocoa growing area by July 2008. An in depth description of can be found under the certification section of this website.

3. What is meant by farm level diversification?

"Farm diversification" refers to planting cocoa with other tree crops, timber, and food crops. There are two main benefits to encouraging farmers to diversify their cocoa farms. First of all, it enables farmers to have different sources of income from timber, coconut, rubber, citrus, food crops, instead of relying on cocoa as their only income. Secondly, crop diversity is better for the fragile soils and environment where cocoa grows.

4. What is "side-grafting", and how does it work?

Side grafting involves taking a branch from one tree, and inserting it into the root or trunk of another tree. This technique is used commonly on apples, oranges and other fruit crops to bring together the superior qualities from different varieties. The method can is easily taught to farmers, and results in improved yielding trees that are more resistant to diseases and pests. I found the following website, for those of you who would like to see various forms of tree grafting. http://www.ext.nodak.edu/county/cass/horticulture/fruit/graft/graft.htm Below is a photograph of Dr. David Lim, World Cocoa Foundation consultant, showing cocoa farmers the technique on a farm.

Entry: Bill Guyton

Today over 100 students from seven Washington, DC metropolitan high schools and middle schools joined The World Cocoa Foundation and Let's Go Africa Foundation at the Embassy of Ghana to learn all about cocoa and its origins at a "Cocoa Educational Workshop". In a speech on behalf of the Ambassador of Ghana, His Excellency Dr. Kwame Bawuah-Edusei, by Colonel Kwame Opong-Kyekyeku of the Embassy of Ghana, recognized the efforts being made by the Government of Ghana to strengthen the cocoa industry by supporting the cocoa communities who cultivate this special crop.

When the students first arrived at the event, they were greeted by a Ghanaian drummer and the exhibitors as shown here:

The event included presentations on cocoa and the World Cocoa Foundation (presentation coming soon), as well as exhibits from the World Cocoa Foundation and our partners including Africare, Winrock International, Let's Go Africa Foundation, the Africa Society, the Academy for Educational Development (AED), the Smithsonian Institute's National Museum of African Art, the Chocolate Manufacturer's Association, and the International Foundation for Education and Self-Help (IFESH). Surprisingly, one of the high school teachers had formally been a volunteer with the IFESH program several years ago!

Following the presentations and visits to the partner exhibits, 26 students were winners of a "Cocoa Quiz" and received perfect scores. The quiz tested their knowledge on the history of cocoa and cocoa sustainability. Prizes of "Chocolate Lover" t-shirts were awarded.

One of the main highlights of the day was an African drummer who invited students to play along. We are very grateful to the Embassy of Ghana, our partners and especially the teachers and students who participated. I hope we can do similar events in the future.

Blog Entry: Bill Guyton and Robert Peck

Today we participated in a Capitol Hill Forum on "Agriculture in a World of Conflict and Violence: Investing in our Future Security", hosted by the Association for International Agriculture and Rural Development (AIARD). Download the agenda

Over 200 participants attended, including congressional staffers, research and development institutes, agricultural universities, U.S. government agencies and the private sector. Karl Walk, Director of Blommer Chocolate's Cocoa Department and Vice-Chairman of the World Cocoa Foundation gave a presentation on sustainable cocoa and public-private partnerships.




During his speech, Karl discussed the impact sustainable cocoa programs have had in the lives of cocoa farmers. The story we found the most compelling was from a woman named Dora who was raised on her mother's cocoa farm in Ecuador. Here is a picture of Karl with Dora during his visit:

Dora had the opportunity to participate in one of the "farmer field schools" in northern Ecuador, supported by the chocolate industry and partners. She excelled in the program, and eventually became a trainer herself. From there, Dora set up a buying network in her community and later secured funding to plant her own cocoa tree nursery. Today, her nursery produces over one million cocoa seedlings per year.

And Dora is only 22 years old! One can only imagine what she will be able to accomplish in the years ahead. This story demonstrates how "empowering farmers" through educational opportunities can lead to real and lasting transformation in rural communities.

Indira Ahluwalia, CEO of Development and Training Services followed Mr. Walk with a description of the challenges facing women in developing countries. The final speaker was James Kunder, Deputy Director of the U.S. Agency for International Development who spoke on the important role that agricultural development can play in post-conflict countries.