In Kuapa Kokoo’s operational communities, a quiet transformation is underway—driven by knowledge, skills, and a new generation of field workers.

For many farmers, challenges such as declining yields, rising disease incidence, and aging cocoa trees have become part of daily life. But through targeted training and capacity building, a new generation of field actors is stepping forward to change that story.

Building Skills Where It Matters Most

As part of its commitment to sustainable cocoa production, Kuapa Kokoo, under the Centre of Excellence (CoE) approach, partnered with Ecotop to deliver a specialized training program on Dynamic Agroforestry (DAF).

The focus of this first module was simple but powerful: cocoa pruning and farm management.

Led by experienced facilitator Samuel Suntherland, the training brought together youth workers and Internal Control Officers (ICOs) to strengthen their technical capacity and prepare them to better support farmers in their communities.

 

Understanding the Cocoa Tree

The training began by helping participants understand what a healthy, productive cocoa tree should look like.

From maintaining the right tree height to ensuring proper branch structure and light penetration, participants learned that productivity is not accidental—it is carefully managed.

They explored how proper pruning can:

  • Increase cocoa yield
  • Reduce the spread of diseases such as black pod
  • Improve airflow and sunlight within the farm
  • Sustain long-term productivity

Learning by Doing

Beyond the classroom, the real transformation happened in the field.

On the farms of Anna Badu in Dantano, Gordon Fosu Dankwa in K. Gyimakrom, and Enock Kesse in Mehame Nkwanta, participants applied their knowledge in real-life conditions.

They practiced:

  • Removing dead and diseased branches
  • Managing excessive shoots (chupons)
  • Shaping trees for better structure and productivity

Each exercise brought clarity. Each correction built confidence.

By working directly on farms, participants gained practical experience that will stay with them far beyond the training.

Introducing Innovation Through Grafting

Another key highlight of the training was cocoa grafting—a technique that allows 

farmers to introduce improved and high-yielding varieties.

Participants learned how to:

  • Select healthy plant materials
  • Align plant tissues for successful grafting
  • Care for grafted plants to ensure growth

Through hands-on practice, they developed the skills needed to support farm rehabilitation and productivity improvement.

Farmers as Partners in Learning

The success of the training was made possible by farmers who opened their fields for demonstration.

Their willingness to share their farms created a real-world learning environment—one where challenges could be seen, understood, and addressed directly.

Creating Lasting Impact

By the end of the training, participants had gained more than knowledge—they gained the confidence to act.

They are now better equipped to:

  • Support farmers in improving yields
  • Reduce disease incidence on farms
  • Apply appropriate pruning techniques based on tree condition
  • Promote sustainable farming practices

These trained youth workers and ICOs will play a critical role in strengthening cocoa production across their operational communities.

Looking Ahead

This training marks an important step in Kuapa Kokoo’s broader vision to build resilient farming communities through knowledge, innovation, and collaboration.

With continued follow-up and field support, the impact of this initiative will extend beyond individual farms—contributing to a more sustainable and productive cocoa 

sector.

Because when farmers are supported, communities grow stronger—and the future of cocoa becomes more secure.