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.
At just 38 years old, Sampson Tekyi has already spent nearly half his life as a cocoa farmer. When Sampson was just 18 years old, he began cultivating cocoa to make an income for himself.
“The money comes in seasons so we pile up all our expenses and wait for the harvest. When the money finally comes, it goes straight into paying off everything we owe, school fees, medical bills, farm inputs. By the time we’re done, we’re right back where we started, waiting for the next season.” Sampson describes a cycle of working hard, paying off debts, working hard to pay off debts again. Leaving no room for saving money for farming improvement, or other necessary living expenditures. “Sometimes I have to leave the farm to look for other ways to create an income, otherwise I just don’t make enough to provide for my family. I wish I could just be a farmer, but unfortunately farming alone is not enough to keep my family afloat.” Sampson says.
Child labor
When we introduce the Equal Trade Alliance initiative, Sampson responds delightedly; “This will help farmers get liberated from their hardships. The prospect of a better system for farmers might help us get a more reliable income. Then we wouldn’t have to keep our children away from school to work on the farm. Sometimes, we have no choice and we need the extra hands, even though some of them are not yet 18. With a better income, we would be able to hire more farmhands, so that our children can fully focus on their education”.
For Sampson, the Equal Trade Alliance isn’t just about financial relief; it’s about breaking free from the cycle of poverty that has trapped him and other farmers. It’s an opportunity to sustain their livelihoods and create a better future for their families, one free of child labor.
The gap between farmers and chocolate companies is stark. How can the industry generate billions annually while farmers like Sampson 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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