Partnership for deforestation-free Cocoa Supply Chains

Cocoa farming supports millions worldwide but is fraught with deforestation risks and threatened by climate change. This project in Ghana aims to transform these scenarios through innovative regenerative agriculture, including dynamic agroforestry and regenerative cocoa production. These practices align with the new EU regulations for deforestation-free cocoa production and promote gender and youth inclusion. By providing smallholder farmers with the knowledge and tools to adopt sustainable farming methods, the project aims to secure their access to international markets and ensure the long-term viability of their livelihoods. The project approach integrates capacity building for compliance with environmental and social standards, aiming for sustainable, equitable cocoa supply chains. Through local and international partnerships, the project aims to create a model of production that respects the planet and its people, setting a precedent for deforestation-free agriculture in Ghana.

Project data

Countries: Ghana
IKI funding: 800,000.00 €
Duration: 11/2024 till 10/2027
Status: open
Implementing organisation: Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International e.V.
Implementing Partner: Commerce Equitable Afrique (Fairtrade Africa)
Online: https://impact.fairtrade.net/map/projects/partnership-for-deforestation-free-cocoa-supply-chain-in-ghana

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State of implementation/results

199 lead farmers (74 men, 70 women, 55 young people) were trained as trainers on the requirements of the European Union Deforestation Regulation and human rights and environmental due diligence. They are expected to cascade their knowledge to around 14,804 cocoa farmers (At least 30% women and youth) across four Producer Organisations by the end of the project.
26 data officers/field staff from 4 Producer Organisations were trained in digital farm boundary mapping and geolocation data collection, strengthening the organisations’ ability to generate farm data required for traceability/EUDR compliance.
Over 150 cocoa farms were assessed for rehabilitation, and 50 hectares are already rehabilitated (old cocoa and shade trees pruned or replaced, new cocoa and shade trees planted), moving towards the 100 hectares target.
Ten demonstration plots for regenerative, climate-resilient cocoa farming were established across the 4 Producer Organisations, proving farmers hands-on training on farm rehabilitation and dynamic Agroforestry practices.
Over 36,000 planting materials were distributed to farmers, including around 20,000 cocoa seedlings, 15,000 plantain suckers and 2,000 timber tree seedlings, supporting more diverse and resilient farms.
28 new Village Savings and Loan Associations were established, bringing the total number of active groups to 62. The new groups have 773 members, 59% women and 18% youth. Members of existing groups mobilised savings equivalent to around EUR 77,000 in 2025 and disbursed approximately EUR 36,730 in loans to 267 members towards livelihood diversification as a climate adaptation measure.
74 women and young leaders were trained through the Fairtrade Women's School of Leadership programme. They further trained 1,054 farmers in their communities, including 808 women and 514 young people.
The project's approach to farmer-led cocoa rehabilitation was covered by Ghanaian and international media, including the Ghana News Agency and Fairtrade's own news platform.

Latest Update:
09/2026