Research that makes an impact – for people, the environment and markets
How can cocoa be produced sustainably without destroying forests or jeopardizing farmers’ livelihoods? This question is at the heart of the research project “Dynamic Cocoa Agroforestry Systems for Sustainable Production in Ghana”, which is being implemented as part of the Swiss SOR4D program (Solution Oriented Research for Development). The aim is to translate scientific findings directly into practice – and thus identify ways to achieve climate-friendly, socially just and economically viable cocoa production.
The cocoa sector in Ghana is facing major challenges: rising temperatures, irregular rainfall, soil degradation and unstable prices are threatening the livelihoods of many smallholder families. At the same time, there is growing pressure to comply with ecological standards and ensure deforestation-free supply chains. The answer lies in dynamic agroforestry systems – Mixed cultures in which cocoa grows under shade trees, medicinal plants and useful shrubs. These systems improve soil quality and biodiversity, bind CO₂ and secure income through additional harvested products.
Research meets practice
Together with leading research institutions and companies, new models for regenerative cocoa agroforestry are being developed in Ghana. At the heart of the project is ETH Zurich, which is leading the project scientifically and researching agroecological models that combine ecological, economic and social factors.
The research is implemented directly in the fields of over 1,200 smallholder families. The result is a unique combination of scientific evidence and practical application. A central component is the development of a digital knowledge platform and app that enables farmers to document cultivation practices, share experiences and receive feedback from experts. Research results thus flow directly into local occupational competence.
The project is investigating how different tree species, shade densities and soil conditions influence plant growth, CO₂ sequestration and economic stability. At the same time, socio-economic data is collected in order to understand which factors promote or hinder the transition to sustainable systems.
The combination of scientific research, participatory methods and digital data collection creates a model that is locally anchored and globally transferable. The findings from Ghana serve as a basis for the further development of agroforestry systems in other cocoa-growing regions in West Africa – for sustainable, fair and climate-friendly cocoa production.
Turning knowledge into impact
Your donation supports research and training for sustainable cocoa production in Ghana. This creates knowledge that changes lives – and plants the future.
Project partners
By working with strong partners, we gain more influence both nationally and internationally to achieve our goals efficiently.
