A new report, How Solidaridad Enhanced Farm Productivity under the Mondelēz Cocoa Life Program, highlights Solidaridad’s role in improving productivity in cocoa-growing communities in Ghana’s Eastern Region with implementation of the Mondelēz International Cocoa Life programme. The report documents the successful implementation of the first phase of the project (2018-2024) in Ghana.
During phase one, Solidaridad led the delivery of comprehensive training on good agricultural practices (GAPs) to farmers. The training, structured as 12 modules, covered agricultural essentials such as land preparation, nursery management, and pest control. Solidaridad’s hands-on approach, including practical sessions on demonstration plots, has enabled farmers to effectively adopt these GAP techniques.
To ensure effective knowledge transfer, Solidaridad developed multiple extension methods that included farmer field schools, personalized coaching and the establishment of demonstration farms. The organization also introduced Video Viewing Clubs (VVCs) to supplement learning, which were especially valuable for women who had limited time to participate in field sessions. Altogether, these innovative strategies enhanced farmers’ understanding and implementation of the new practices.
Solidaridad’s implementation of the program achieved notable success and engaged more than 10,000 farmers, brought significant improvements in cocoa yields, and contributed to higher income levels. Solidaridad’s efforts also led to the establishment of numerous cocoa nurseries and demonstration plots, which supported the adoption of quality planting materials and new farming techniques.
Key lessons from Solidaridad’s experience focus on the importance of continuous capacity building, targeted coaching and practical demonstrations. Additionally, there is the need to strengthen partnerships to ensure timely access to resources, while also expanding nursery support to sustain and enhance productivity in the cocoa-growing communities.
Funded by Mondelēz International since 2012, Cocoa Life has promoted improved agricultural practices and landscape management to cocoa-growing communities in order to achieve sustainable economic development.