This testimonial is part of the ‘ETA’s Cocoa Farmer Stories’ collection with farmers from the Bono region in Ghana. Contributing to our advocacy campaign “Equal Trade Chocolate Tastes Better” the Equal Trade team in Ghana visited Atronie, a town close to Sunyani in 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.
Our quest to collect real-life stories of cocoa farmers began at the Atronie Palace, close to Sunyani in the Bono region of Ghana, where we sought for the chief’s permission to conduct interviews with local farmers. When we arrived at the community, Mr. Paul Antwi, a seasoned farmer and a respected member of the community, introduced us to the chief, securing the essential step of the chief’s approval. Speaking with the chief before continuing our mission demonstrated our respect for tradition and authority, a vital component of gaining the farmers’ trust.
As we left the palace, Mr. Antwi became both our guide and storyteller. We walked for nearly an hour under the blazing sun, yet we had not reached the farm. Mid-way we started struggling to keep pace with Mr. Antwi, wondering how this man – much older than us – did not seem to be affected by either the distance or heat. And looking at his pace, we were nowhere near our destination yet. We reminded ourselves that this was only the way to the farm, we did not even get to the farming work itself. The long walk demonstrated the physical challenges farmers endure daily. Along the way, we introduced ourselves to Mr. Antwi, and he began to share his story and the experience of daily life as a cocoa farmer.
Hard Work, Low Income
Mr. Antwi spoke about how he started farming at a young age alongside his father while still in school. However, financial difficulties forced him to abandon his education and take up farming full-time. Since 1979, he has dedicated his life to cocoa farming. “Farming is a profession that requires discipline and dedication. Yet, despite long days, the income from cocoa farming is barely enough to meet basic needs. We face many challenges, organic fertilizers are expensive but important to maintain healthy soils and plants, we need money to invest in tools to increase productivity at the farm.” Mr. Antwi explained. The unequal payment of cocoa farmers leads to a worsening cycle of vulnerability to poor harvest resulting in even lower income and financial insecurity.
We sat down on a wooden bench that was given some coolness and shade by the many cocoatrees, where Mr. Antwi shared a troubling dilemma. “Recently miners approached me with an offer to purchase my farmland for mining activities. Even though this land has been in our family for many years, I am seriously considering it. The pressure to make ends meet financially makes cocoa farming increasingly difficult and this offer would help me to take care of my family.. even if it’s only temporarily.”
Improving Farmers Livelihoods with Equal Trade
Despite his personal challenges, Mr. Antwi expressed hope in the work being done by the Equal Trade Alliance. “The Equal Trade Alliance recognizes the inequalities within the current system, we work day and night to sell cocoa beans for manufacturers. While our products allow them to create billions, we are left with little to survive. Equal Trade would significantly improve the lives of farmers like us”.
As our conversation came to a close, we thanked Mr. Antwi for his time. His story, like so many others, highlighted the urgent need for systemic change in the cocoa industry. Farmers like Mr. Antwi are the backbone of the global chocolate trade, yet they are often the ones who benefit the least
Walking away from our interview, we felt a deep sense of responsibility to amplify his voice and those of others like him. Their stories are not just about hardship, they are about resilience, and the hope for a more equitable future. Through initiatives like Equal Trade, we can begin to bridge the gap and create an industry that values the hard work of farmers and ensures they receive their rightful share of the rewards.
The gap between farmers and chocolate companies is stark. How can the industry generate billions annually while farmers like Mr. Antwi 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 offers a solution. Join the Equal Trade Alliance, share your farmer story using the #equaltradecocoa and follow our socials.
