Cocoa farmers in Ghana are expressing a waning interest in cultivating the crop, citing the adverse effects of climate change as a primary cause.

Many of these farmers claim to have limited awareness of how climate change is negatively impacting the cocoa they cultivate.

This growing concern is fueling despair among farmers, given that cocoa constitutes 15% of the GDP.

The President of the Asunafo Cocoa Farmers in Goaso, Ahafo Region, Daniel Amponsah Gyinaye said he almost abandoned his farm due to the detrimental effects of climate change on his crops.

Mr. Gyinaye stressed the urgent need for sustainable solutions to protect Ghana's economic backbone.

In response to these challenges, Proforest Africa, a non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting responsible production and sourcing of agricultural and forest commodities, has stepped in to avert potential losses.

The Director of Proforest Africa, Abraham Baffoe highlighted the organization's impact on cocoa farming and other commodities and the plans they have for these farmers.

He emphasised the significance of their intervention as a crucial lifeline, emphasising the need for collective action to address climate-induced threats to the nation's vital cocoa industry.

"Our agriculture commodity production and forest product production deliver positive impact for people, nature and climate.

“So all that we're doing, our focus is on people who live in areas where the commodities are produced, and the environment in areas where the commodities are produced and also the climate. These are our three focus and we've managed to do that very well in several countries we operate," Mr Baffoe said.

Source - https://www.myjoyonline.com