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Paying the price for cocoa

Asunafo is often under pressure to meet deadlines for shipping. To help with this uncertainty, Asunafo has looked for diversification opportunities for farmers. Along with exploring the growth of different crops, the co-operative created a second income stream by selling farming products. They came to С����Ƶ for finance to support this side of their business.

Thanks to С����Ƶ investors,Asunafo can now purchase and provide the essential products required for their farming methods. Nana Sarpong, the chairperson from Asunafo said: “The loan from С����Ƶ has allowed us to purchase the recommended farm inputs in bulk at a reduced price and made it available to our farmers at the right time of application.”

The impact of Covid-19

Ghanaian cocoa co-operative Asunafo, who have been praised for their response to the coronavirus crisis. The group recognised the needs of their local community and donated items to help with sanitisation, along with funds provided by ethical chocolate brand, Tony’s Chocolonely and Mondelez’s Cocoa Life.

John continued: “Fortunately, Asunafo’s cocoa production has increased significantly since they became a С����Ƶ customer two years ago, and the majority of this season’s cocoa had already been harvested. The challenge now lies around shipping.” 

The co-operative had also recently introduced several wellbeing initiatives, which are now proving vital. These include a dispensary for the health needs of workers, and facilities for those who had diversified into soap making. Asunafo had trained 25 farmers in liquid and solid soap making before the pandemic began, using the leftover cocoa elements and shea butter. Previously sold at the local market the liquid soap is now donated to the community, using funds from Asunafo’s Fairtrade Premium. 

John told us: “Asunafo members have also formed a women’s group, to sew face masks with local fabrics for free distribution. This is a crucial initiative, as the wearing of masks is becoming mandatory in Ghana.” The co-operative also supports a local radio talk show with over 25,000 listeners, which was originally set up to help farmers share agricultural best practice. The subject area has now been adapted in light of the pandemic, to help farmers learn how to protect themselves from Covid-19, improving communication and providing accurate advice. 

Asunafo President, Daniel Amponsah Gyinayeh, said: “As a farmer co-operative, we are very concerned about our members and their welfare. We are also in our own way joining forces with local health authorities to create more public awareness and education. We are grateful to all our partners and supporters who have made it possible for us to reach out to communities as part of our contribution to helping prevent the spread of the disease.”

Read more about Asunafo in QR 120.