TogetHER

Project Summary

Given the increased vulnerability of cocoa-growing communities to economic shocks and climate change, the Women and Cocoa Communities Initiative (TogetHER), led by Socodevi, strengthens the resilience of cocoa-growing families through technical assistance, the establishment of agroforestry systems, and innovative agricultural risk management mechanisms. The project also promotes collective savings, entrepreneurship, and financial inclusion, while contributing to the long-term resilience of the cocoa sector and the fair distribution of economic benefits and opportunities.

Objectives

  • Empower women and youth to support the sustainable development of cocoa-growing communities
  • Improve their financial and economic autonomy
  • Strengthen the performance of local actors in delivering products and services that are gender-responsive and climate-resilient

Results and impact

  • Co-operative engagement increased by 25%, driven by Socodevi training on co-operative development, which reinforced members’ sense of belonging to the cocoa value chain
  • All co-operatives have initiated economic diversification to increase revenues, using business-focused planning
  • Women now hold 50% of board seats, enabling them to influence strategic decisions
  • Women now hold 50% of board seats, enabling them to influence strategic decisions
  • Each of the 15 co-operatives now has its own dedicated workspace
  • Each organization has a designated cooperative focal person trained to oversee administrative, logistical, programmatic, and financial operations
  • Members of the 62 village savings and loan associations (VSLA/AVEC) save on average 2,988,469.80 GHC, or about $400 CAD, thanks to the project’s financial education strategies
  • Five cocoa and shade-tree nurseries have been established

Testimonials

“When someone is part of a co-operative, it generally means they can provide for their family—and that is what we are observing.”

  • Mr. Eugene Asare
    Municipal Director of the Department of Cooperatives – Tepa

“Thanks to Socodevi’s support, we have 10 acres to grow maize. We received advice on climate-smart agriculture and good practices. So, even with the low rainfall in the region, our maize is growing well and we expect to harvest 120 to 150 bags (50 kg).”

  • Ms. Vida Boateng
    Vice-President of the Ntease Cooperative Union (Mabang Maize Farm, Ashanti)

Partners

  • Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA)
  • Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD)
  • Department of Co-Operatives (DOCs)

Media gallery

Be Part of the Change!