The Director of Nature and Development Foundation, Mr. Mustapha Seidu, highlighted the importance of strategically placed trees in cocoa farming, highlighting their role in regulating temperature, reducing soil moisture loss, and promoting sustainable production and increased crop yield in Assin Fosu during his visit to beneficiaries of the “COCOA FOREST MOSAIC FOR PEOPLE AND ECOSYSTEM RESILIENCE project.

The COCOA FOREST MOSAIC FOR PEOPLE AND ECOSYSTEM RESILIENCE project is funded by the World Wide Fund Japan (WWF-Japan) and has the Nature and Development Foundation (NDF) and EMFED FARMS-AssinFosu as implementing partners.

The project aims to decrease the susceptibility of cocoa farmers to climate change impacts through the incorporation of carbon stock trees on cocoa farms. The project is working with farmers of four (4) cooperatives: Obra y3 Oko, God is King, Awurade Kasa, and Adom Wo Wim within the Assin-Fosu Landscape.

The NDF, through the COFORM project, is providing farmers with crucial knowledge and resources. Farmers who are beneficiaries of the project are being educated on the need to identify and plant the best shade trees on their cocoa farms. The essence is to provide shade that enhances yield while contributing to sustainable agricultural practices.

In his speech to the farmers, the director also cautioned against a blanket approach to shade trees. He said, “Not all tree species are beneficial for cocoa.” He explained that some trees can grow too large, casting excessive shade that hinders cocoa growth. Others may compete with the cocoa plants for vital nutrients and water resources; thus, there is a need for careful and informed selection of tree species for shade trees on cocoa farms.

Farmers who are beneficiaries of the project are learning to identify ideal shade tree species that complement cocoa growth. This includes native fruit trees and other carefully selected plants.

Aside from educating the farmers on the importance and right species of shade trees for cocoa production, the Nature and Development Foundation is also providing the farmers with seedlings of guava, mango, mesonia, mahogany, ofram, and Emire to plant on their cocoa farms to perfect the balance of shade and environmental benefits.

Through the project, it can be said that farmers are not only securing their livelihoods through increased cocoa yields but also contributing to a more resilient and biodiverse ecosystem.