ACHIEVEMENTS

ACHIEVEMENTS FOR THE YEAR 2023

Forest Protection & Restoration

The CFI seeks to halt further conversion of forest land for cocoa production. It contributes to the protection and restoration of forest areas, including protected forests, off-reserve forests, and promotion of agroforestry. Further, the initiative promotes sustainable cocoa production practices to reduce pressure on forests. In 2023, implementation of the Asunafo-Asutifi Landscape Program exemplifies the commitment to forest restoration. This program encompasses critical activities, including the restoration of degraded lands, enhancement of community livelihoods, and the development of comprehensive management plans for sustainable forest use.

Sustainable Cocoa Production And Farmer Livelihoods

To ensure improved cocoa yield on less lands, CFI promotes sustainable intensification of cocoa production on existing farmlands, climate smart cocoa production and agroforestry. It also supports the rehabilitation and replanting of aging cocoa farms to increase productivity while improving farmers’ access to inputs, technologies, and training to enhance sustainable cocoa production. To reduce reliance on cocoa, CFI also promotes diversification of farmer incomes. In the year under review, a high number of new cocoa farmers were registered on the cocoa management system to operationalize the national traceability system.

Community Engagement And Social Inclusion

Active engagement and participation of farmers and cocoa-growing communities is pivotal to the work of CFI. This pillar focuses on improving livelihoods, promoting gender equity, and enhancing the inclusion of marginalized groups in decision-making processes. The initiative continues to facilitate the formation of Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLA) and support various income-generating activities, benefiting over 100,000 individuals. It promotes diversification of income sources, reducing reliance on cocoa farming alone, and thus contribute to the overall economic resilience of cocoa-growing communities

*Source: Resource Management Support Centre of the Forestry Commission.