Planting seeds for change: Sankofa 2.0 in Ghana’s cocoa sector
The Sankofa 2.0 project, a groundbreaking initiative addressing sustainability and economic opportunities in Ghana’s cocoa sector, marked a significant milestone during a recent visit to key project sites.
Cocoa farmers, development practitioners, government and business officials assessed Sankofa’s progress and strengthened partnerships. They also engaged with farming communities to tackle challenges in promoting climate-resilient cocoa production.
The 2024 Sankofa Project mission to Ghana focused on advancing sustainable agroforestry practices while solidifying partnerships and shaping strategies for the next phase of the project.
Core objectives included monitoring on-the-ground activities, collaborating with institutions such as the Ghana Cocoa Board, and reviewing project milestones. Discussions centered on actionable strategies to enhance farmer livelihoods, improve climate adaptation, and ensure the long-term sustainability of cocoa production across Ghana.
Fostering a thriving, sustainable cocoa sector that supports both communities and the environment is at the heart of this collaborative project.
A holistic approach to sustainability
At the heart of Sankofa 2.0 is the integration of dynamic agroforestry into cocoa farming. By combining cocoa trees with a diverse range of crops, dynamic agroforestry promotes biodiversity, improves soil health, and enhances food security for farmers.
During field visits in Bibiani and Goaso, farmers showcased how these systems have provided them with additional income streams while fostering environmental resilience.
The project also emphasizes achieving a living income for cocoa farmers. By equipping farmers with the tools to sustainably diversify their crops and increase productivity, Sankofa 2.0 is a blueprint for long-term sector transformation.
‘This project is about more than cocoa — it’s about food security, environmental sustainability, and creating resilient farming communities,’ noted Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director of the International Trade Centre (ITC).
Broad collaboration
A defining strength of Sankofa 2.0 lies in its collaborative framework. The initiative unites an exceptionally wide range of organizations:
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Coop and Swiss chocolate-maker HALBA
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Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs
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Ecotop Suisse, agroforestry experts
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Fairtrade Africa
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Fairtrade Finland
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Fairtrade Max Havelaar Switzerland
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Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs
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Ghana Cocoa Board
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International Trade Centre
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Kuapa Kokoo Cooperative Cocoa Farmers and Marketing Union Limited
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Nature and Development Foundation
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Swiss Platform for Sustainable Cocoa
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Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs
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The Cocoa Health and Extension Division
This multidisciplinary approach ensures a well-rounded blend of technical expertise, policy alignment, and grassroots farmer support.
During the visit, a workshop on ‘Mainstreaming Agroforestry and Alliances in the Cocoa Sector’ underscored the importance of these partnerships in achieving systemic change.
By aligning with global policies such as the EU’s due diligence requirements, the project is setting new benchmarks for sustainability in cocoa production.
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Empowering future generations
The visit also highlighted Sankofa 2.0’s broader social impact, including its commitment to empowering youth and women.
A visit to Goaso SDA Primary School and the Centre of Excellence project showcased how the initiative is investing in education and skills development to inspire the next generation of cocoa farmers.
As Ghana grapples with challenges such as climate change and volatile cocoa prices, Sankofa 2.0 provides a hopeful path forward.
By blending innovative farming practices with strong partnerships, the project is ensuring that cocoa farming remains viable for generations to come, setting a precedent for sustainability and equity in the global cocoa industry.
About the projects
The Sankofa programme is a multi-stakeholder project pioneering initiative aimed at enhancing sustainable livelihoods through a multifaceted approach to income diversification, climate resilience, and biodiversity conservation within the cocoa and associated crops value chains in Ghana. It is funded and supported by Coop and HALBA, the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) through the Swiss Platform for Sustainable Cocoa’s Landscape Programme, the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), Fairtrade Finland, Fairtrade Max Havelaar Switzerland and NTF V through the International Trade Centre (ITC). It is implemented by Fairtrade Africa (FTA), Kuapa Kokoo Cooperative Cocoa Farmers and Marketing Union Limited (KKFU), International Trade Centre (ITC) and Nature and Development Foundation (NDF). Technical support to the project is provided by Ecotop Suisse GmbH and the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG).
The Netherlands Trust Fund V (NTF) (July 2021 – June 2025) is based on a partnership between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The Netherlands and the International Trade Centre. The programme supports MSMEs in the digital technologies through its EcomConnect programme and agribusiness sectors through its Alliances for Action programme. Its ambition is two-fold: to contribute to an inclusive and sustainable transformation of food systems, partially through digital solutions, and drive the internationalisation of tech start-ups and export of IT&BPO companies in selected Sub-Saharan African countries.
