Research for gender equality

Much of the work on cocoa farms is done by women. But they do not share in the revenues. Solidaridad conducted field research and made an inventory of the challenges women face, followed by suggestions to improve their position.

Target

To investigate the role division of men and women on cocoa farms and offer suggestions to create a more equal position for women. 

Reason

Although women contribute largely to cocoa production, they do not share in the revenues. Improving the position of women in cocoa farming can contribute to both human and economic development. More than men, women tend to invest extra income in the farm and in the future of their children, by sending them to school.

Activities

For 2 months, a fieldworker lived in a cocoa community and conducted interviews with farmers.

Results

Based on the research findings, the fieldworker listed suggestions to improve women participation. This can be done by e.g: setting up special credit schemes for women and explicitly involving them in farmer trainings. The suggestions are adopted by Solidaridad´s partners that conduct trainings.

Facts

Target group: 4 cocoa producing communities: Nsuta Nyamebekyere, Kantinkrum, Kunsu Camp and Katapei. The communities are all part of the Cargill Rural Educational Project, implemented by CARE International.
Location: Ahafo-Ano North & South districts in Ashanti Region of Ghana.
Duration: 2 months
Budget: € 10.000