2024-09-08 22:05:09
In Ghana, the new cocoa season is set to begin this week, while the last one saw a 55% drop in production. A poor harvest caused by climate change, illegal gold mining or epidemics that are devastating crops. And the first to suffer are the producers.
Like every morning, Akwasi Ampafo goes around his six-hectare farm in the commune of Juaben. This land is called Aman Paman and I am very happy here “At 66 years old, 20 of which were spent as a cocoa producer, Akwasi Ampafo is now struggling to support himself. It is more complicated to grow cocoa todayhe explains, the climate has changed: the rains are no longer the same, nor are the sunny days. It requires much more attention. »
Pods affected by diseases
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Another problem: the price of treatment and weed control products is increasing in a Ghana in an economic crisis where inflation still exceeds 20%. It has become complicated to fight against diseases which, like the cocoa edema virus, attack crops throughout the country.
An observation shared by his neighbor, Emmanuel Akweni, also a cocoa producer, with an infected pod in his hand. There are black dots on it, that means it was attacked by insects ».
Emmanuel Akweni therefore sees its production decreases every year and it is not the increase in the price of a bag set by the Ghanaian cocoa regulator – 2,000 cedis for 64 kg for this season – which will really change his situation: ” We want more, a bag at 3,000, 3,500 cedis. With the current price, to survive, I am forced to borrow from the bank or from my relatives. » However, neither he nor Akwasi Ampafo intend to sell their farms; the only land they own. On the other hand, there is no question of their children getting into cocoa in turn.
Rubber and gold supplant cocoa
A widespread transmission problem here in Ghana, which risks undermine future productions. This is at least what Richmond Frimpong, a journalist specializing in agriculture based in the city of Kumasi, thinks: ” Nobody, especially young people, wants to get into cocoa production. Firstly, because most young people do not have the funds to obtain land to cultivate. Secondly, because the cocoa sector does not promise better living conditions.. »
The solution, according to him: tax advantages for treatment products and fertilizers, investing in rural areas by building roads and preventing the cutting down of cocoa trees by law. When you go to the eastern region and some parts of the western region, estime Richmond Frimpong, Some cocoa producers have sold their land to rubber investors and galamsayeurs because they need money immediately. » 19,000 hectares: this is the area of cocoa trees destroyed by illegal gold mines in 2022. A scourge that is difficult to stem while the cocoa regulator has announced that it hopes for a rebound in production for the next season.
Also listen toGhana: Cocoa production down sharply, loss of agricultural land partly to blame
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How much do cocoa farmers get paid a day
The Struggle of Ghana’s Cocoa Farmers: Climate Change, Disease, and Economic Crisis
Ghana, the world’s second-largest cocoa-producing country [1][2], is facing a massive crisis in its cocoa industry. The country’s cocoa production has seen a significant drop of 55% in the last season, and farmers are struggling to make ends meet. Climate change, disease outbreaks, and economic instability are some of the major factors contributing to this decline.
Climate Change: A Threat to Cocoa Production
Akwasi Ampafo, a 66-year-old cocoa farmer from Juaben, has been growing cocoa for 20 years. He explains that the changing climate has made it more complicated to grow cocoa today. “The rains are no longer the same, nor are the sunny days. It requires much more attention,” he says [3]. Rising temperatures and changing weather patterns are affecting the growth and yield of cocoa crops, making it difficult for farmers to maintain their production levels.
Disease Outbreaks: A Growing Concern
Another major issue facing Ghana’s cocoa farmers is the outbreak of diseases such as the cocoa edema virus. The price of treatment and weed control products is increasing in Ghana’s economic crisis, where inflation still exceeds 20%. This has made it challenging for farmers to fight against diseases that attack their crops throughout the country [3].
Economic Crisis: A Blow to Farmers’ Income
The Ghanaian cocoa regulator has set the price of a bag of cocoa at 2,000 cedis for 64 kg for this season, but this increase is not enough to significantly improve the situation of farmers like Akwasi Ampafo and Emmanuel Akweni. They want more, calling for a price of 3,000 to 3,500 cedis per bag. With the current price, they are forced to borrow from banks or relatives to survive [3].
The Future of Cocoa Production in Ghana
The struggles of Ghana’s cocoa farmers are not only affecting their livelihoods but also the future of cocoa production in the country. Richmond Frimpong, a journalist specializing in agriculture, notes that young people are no longer interested in getting into cocoa production. The lack of funds to obtain land and the unattractive living conditions in rural areas are major deterrents [3].
To address these challenges, Frimpong suggests that the government should provide tax advantages for treatment products and fertilizers, invest in rural areas by building roads, and prevent the cutting down of cocoa trees by law [3].
Ghana’s Cocoa Output: A Concern for Global Supplies
Ghana’s cocoa output, which averages around 800,000 tons over the last five seasons [3], is significant not only for the country’s economy but also for global cocoa supplies. A decline in Ghana’s cocoa production could have far-reaching consequences for the global chocolate industry.
the struggles of Ghana’s cocoa farmers are a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach. Climate change, disease outbreaks, and economic instability are all contributors to the decline of cocoa production in Ghana. To ensure the sustainability of cocoa production in the country, it is essential to address these challenges and provide support to farmers to help them overcome these obstacles.
References:
[2] “Ghana is cocoa, cocoa is Ghana” – OPEC Fund
[3] Ghana cocoa output is half of average with harvest almost complete - Reuters
West Africa chocolate production
The Struggle of Cocoa Farmers in Ghana: Climate Change, Diseases, and Illegal Gold Mining
Ghana, the world’s second-largest cocoa-producing country[[[2]], is facing a significant crisis in its cocoa industry. The last cocoa season saw a 55% drop in production, leaving many farmers struggling to survive. The causes of this decline are multifaceted, including climate change, diseases, and illegal gold mining. As the new cocoa season begins, farmers are facing an uphill battle to maintain their livelihoods.
Climate Change and Its Impact on Cocoa Production
Climate change has disrupted the traditional patterns of rainfall and sunshine in Ghana, making it more challenging for farmers to grow cocoa[[[3]]. Akwasi Ampafo, a 66-year-old cocoa farmer, has noticed the changes first-hand. “It is more complicated to grow cocoa today,” he explains. “The climate has changed: the rains are no longer the same, nor are the sunny days. It requires much more attention.” His experience is not unique, as many farmers are struggling to adapt to the new climate reality.
Diseases and Pests: A Growing Concern
In addition to climate change, diseases and pests are also affecting cocoa production in Ghana. The cocoa edema virus, for example, has spread throughout the country, damaging crops and reducing yields. Farmers like Emmanuel Akweni are struggling to combat the diseases, but the increasing cost of treatment and weed control products is making it difficult. “We want more, a bag at 3,000, 3,500 cedis,” Akweni says, frustrated by the low prices set by the Ghanaian cocoa regulator.
Rubber and Gold: Alternative Crops and Illegal Mining
The decline of cocoa production in Ghana has led some farmers to seek alternative crops, such as rubber. Richmond Frimpong, a journalist specializing in agriculture, notes that many young people are not interested in cocoa production due to the lack of funds and the limited promise of better living conditions. As a result, some farmers are selling their land to rubber investors and illegal gold miners, further threatening the cocoa industry.
The Impact on Farmers and the Economy
The struggles of cocoa farmers in Ghana have far-reaching consequences for the economy. The cocoa industry is a significant contributor to Ghana’s GDP, and a decline in production can have a ripple effect on the entire economy. Moreover, the declining yields and low prices are forcing farmers to borrow money to survive, perpetuating a cycle of debt and poverty.
Solutions and Interventions
To address the crisis in the cocoa industry, several solutions have been proposed. Richmond Frimpong suggests that tax advantages for treatment products and fertilizers, investing in rural areas by building roads, and preventing the cutting down of cocoa trees by law could help stimulate production. Additionally, the Ghanaian government and international organizations can provide support to farmers through training programs, credit facilities, and marketing assistance.
Conclusion
The struggles of cocoa farmers in Ghana are complex and multifaceted. Climate change, diseases, and illegal gold mining have all contributed to the decline of cocoa production, threatening the livelihoods of thousands of farmers. To address this crisis, it is essential to provide support to farmers through policy interventions, training programs, and credit facilities. By working together, we can ensure a sustainable and prosperous cocoa industry in Ghana.
References:
[1] Production of cocoa beans in Ghana 2012/2013-2023/2024. (2024). Statista.
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