This testimonial is part of the ETA’s ‘Cocoa Farmer Stories’ collection with farmers from the Bono region in Ghana. In contribution to our advocacy campaign “Equal Trade Chocolate Tastes Better” the Equal Trade team in Ghana visited Atronie- a town close to Sunyani, Ghana – to speak with cocoa farmers to share their real-life circumstances. The aim of this project is to create awareness among the general public about the living circumstances of cocoa farmers, add credibility to and legitimize the mission of the ETA and our campaign.
Meet Nana Peter Anyorkah, a cocoa farmer and father in the town of Atronie, in the Bono Region of Ghana. His family sits nearby listening to the conversation we are about to have with Nana. Nana Peter has been farming cocoa for 25 years. When we ask about his story, he leans back against a tree, and starts speaking.
“Farming isn’t just a job; it’s a grueling process, the price of a bag has gone up, yes, but it doesn’t meet the needs of farmers like me. We work very hard, every day but the income from cocoa harvests often falls short. To be honest, I still have to take out loans to pay for my children’s school fees or medical bills.” Nana says.
Carrying the Weight of Cocoa
To create a clearer picture of the hard labor conditions of cocoa farmers, we ask about the weight of a cocoa bag nearby. Nana responds, “A bag weighs 64 kilos, “Do you know how much work it takes to produce that much cocoa? And yet, the return doesn’t match the effort. Even with the new prices, it feels like we’re running in circles—working harder but never moving forward.”
Advocating for Equal Trade
While we speak with Nana about the hardships of cocoa farming, we notice he is still hopeful. Which makes us eager to introduce to him the mission of the Equal Trade Alliance, to reshape the current global trade model to ensure farmers or other workers at the start of the chain receive a more equal pay for their goods. Benefiting both their own income and livelihoods, but also the economy of the nation. “With the implementation of such an initiative, a lot of things could change for us farmers. We would be able to take care of our family properly, hire workers to help us at the farm instead of our younger kids. And it can even go further with that, a steady would mean I would be able to provide jobs to other people as well. While my children stay in school and focus on their education instead of working on our farms.”
As he speaks, his dedication is undeniable. His plea for change is not just personal—it’s a call to action for the countless cocoa farmers who toil under similar conditions, hoping for a future where their hard work is genuinely valued. For Nana Peter, the struggle is real and urgent, but so is his resolute belief in the possibility of improved livelihoods for farmers. We can help Nana make his dreams a reality, advocate for Equal Trade.
The gap between farmers and chocolate companies is stark. How can the industry generate billions annually while farmers like Nana barely make enough to meet their basic needs, send their children to school, or invest in sustainable farming products? How many more years is it going to take to realize that we – as the consumers – might play a larger part of the problem than we believe? Advocate for change, advocate for Equal Trade.
The Equal Trade Alliance Certificate offers a solution. Join the Equal Trade Alliance, share your farmer story using the #equaltradecocoa and follow our socials.
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