From full sun to shaded cocoa agroforestry systems: Rehabilitation of smallholder cocoa farms and forest ecosy

General

Deforestation, caused by the expansion of plantations, low productivity, food insecurity and an unregulated forestry sector, is a real threat to Ghana’s High Forest Zone. This project is therefore funding the retention and sustainable use of forest resources in the Ghanaian High Forest Zone. By working with cocoa businesses, smallholders and the local authorities, the project aims to rehabilitate degraded smallholder farms and forest ecosystems. The project also helps companies establish deforestation-free supply chains. Strategic planning programmes are also being implemented, and a system for land use planning is being developed that will enable local authorities to achieve a better balance between cocoa farm expansion and forest conservation. The project is also working on measures to achieve the widespread, ecologically intact and community-focused rehabilitation of smallholder-centric agroforestry systems (using native tree species).