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 Atroni – 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.
In the afternoon, we found ourselves sitting in the cozy, humble homes of a few female farmers—the cocoa farming widows. We gathered to learn more about their experiences as cocoa farmers, to gain more insight on what it means to be a female cocoa farmer in Ghana.
These women began their journey into cocoa farming twenty years ago, after the loss of their husbands.
Laboring For a Better Future
“The beginning was never easy,” says one of the widows. “We planted cocoa trees, but they died many times before they thrived. However, after a while of practice we learned the best way to cultivate and were able to improve our yields. Yet, with the low prices set for a bag of cocoa, every season still comes with its own set of struggles. Our financial returns are simply still not enough.” Another widow chimes in, “The prices now are better than before, yet almost all the money we earn needs to be invested in the farm, leaving us with nearly nothing to sustain ourselves and our families. Cocoa farming is not just about watering your trees, for example we need invest on extra hands for weeding, the purchase of fertilizers, and other equipment to keep our farms running. We work hard every day, but the return is just never enough to change our lives.”
They explain the seasonal nature of cocoa farming, which leaves them vulnerable during the off-season. “When the harvest is over, that’s when the real struggle starts,” one widow says. “We can barely provide for ourselves, let alone our children. It’s tough.” We feel the weight of their responsibilities, they are not only managing farms but also raising children on their own, with little financial stability.
Equal Trade to Achieve Sustainable Change
Listening to these stories make it once again all too clear how important the implementation of the Equal Trade Model could be for Ghanaians such as these widowed female cocoa farmers. With the right adjustment in the trade policies, these women and all cocoa farmers would receive equal payment, enough to take care of their farm – producing more and healthy fruits – while being able to provide for their families. We continue speaking a bit more with the cocoa farmers, making sure to acknowledge their challenges before we explain the mission of the Equal Trade Alliance. “We know it’s not fair,” we say, echoing their frustration. “The profits made by large chocolate companies are far greater than what you receive for your hard work.” They listen intently, nodding in agreement as we explain how Equal Trade is advocating for policies that will give farmers equal share of profits reaped by the (semi) finished product.
One of the women, a bit more hopeful now, asks us whether we will now buy cocoa directly from them. We explain that while we are not involved in buying cocoa directly, our role is to advocate for equal trade policies and push these initiatives to the government. “We’re here to help amplify your voices ,and work alongside organizations that are fighting for change.” we explain.
They understand the power of their collective story in creating change, and they are grateful for the attention it might bring to their cause. “This will inspire our children to stay in school and take up farming,” one of the older widows says. “It will also motivate us to work harder, knowing that we’re not alone in this struggle.”
Their story is a powerful testament to the strength, resilience, and dedication of cocoa farmers. But it also underscores the urgent need for systemic change in the cocoa industry—changes that would allow farmers to receive an equal share of the value they create. As we listen to their stories we know how important it is to share.
The gap between farmers and chocolate companies is stark. How can the industry generate billions annually while female farmers like the three widows 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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