The donation, which includes farm equipment such as spraying machines and pruners, as well as protective clothing and goggles, was made through the company’s sustainability program Cocoa Life, and it aims at covering over 2,000 local farmers.
“Cocoa Life is a vibrant intervention that responds to the actual needs of our partners,” said the Oreo maker.
“Our donation enables cocoa farmers to drive change in their communities by providing them with modern tools they need to increase their yields.”
According to Yaa Peprah Amekudzi, the country lead of Cocoa Life, using modern technology in cocoa farming is the “surest way” to improve sustainability.
She noted Cocoa Life started with 100 cocoa farming communities from seven districts across Ghana 10 years ago, and it has expanded to 447 communities from 15 districts over time.
Improving education for children
With Mondelēz’s donation, Suhum Cooperative Union is also looking to improve education for children within its beneficiary cocoa farming communities.
Amekudzi said: “Our holistic approach works to improve farmers’ livelihoods and empower women so that children can focus on education.”
“Our Cocoa Life program is helping to fund three new classrooms in the Ayisikrom community that will encourage youth to continue their education within their communities.”
According to Amekudzi, the project is expected to cost GHC 50,000 ($10.251) and can serve up to 200 junior high students in the region once it is completed.
