this is Seeds of resilience
The new video series #SeedsOfResilience amplifies the voices of cocoa farming communities in Ghana, as captured by the Young Fair Trade Advocates (YFTAs).
Through a series of interviews, it highlights how cocoa-producing communities are leading the way in climate change adaptation and mitigation, while also showcasing the vital role of cooperatives and the transformative potential of dynamic agroforestry.
cooperatives
Cooperatives are at the heart of the Fair Trade Movement. They are not just suppliers, but equal partners in a global network of traders, activists, and farmers working together to reshape our food, agriculture, and trade systems.
In Episode 2, Tamfa, Felix, Mark, and Dora share their experiences as cooperative members, why they joined, and how being part of a cooperative has improved their farms and strengthened their livelihoods.
climate change
As the climate crisis deepens worldwide, farming communities are among those experiencing its most immediate and devastating impacts. In Episode 3, cocoa farmers in Ghana share what it means to live and farm on the frontlines of climate change, from rising temperatures to erratic rainfall.
dynamic agroforestry
In Episode 4, we dive into dynamic agroforestry, a powerful alternative to traditional monoculture that involves intercropping cocoa with shade trees, fruit trees and other crops. Cocoa producers in Ghana are transforming their land into rich ecosystems by planting a rich variety of crops and native trees alongside cocoa. This approach restores soil health, boosts biodiversity and strengthens long-term resilience to climate change. Gottfried and Solomon explain how combining traditional knowledge with innovative practices can lead to thriving ecosystems and secure livelihoods.
Economic resilience
As changing climate conditions threaten cocoa yields, farmers in Ghana are adapting by diversifying their incomes, adding other crops to their farms and exploring new livelihoods. In Episode 5, farmers explain how this shift is key to making cocoa farming viable for the next generation, ensuring young people see a future in agriculture.
from ghana to the eu
As new EU regulations to tackle deforestation and ensure sustainable supply chains come into force, cocoa farmers in Ghana share how they are preparing for compliance and the need for support measures. Episode 6 is a powerful reminder: building resilient supply chains requires listening to the voices of those at the beginning of them.
Curious to know more?
Earlier this year, a delegation of Young Fair Trade Advocates and the Fair Trade Advocacy Office (FTAO) visited cocoa-producing cooperatives in different regions of Ghana.
With Europe importing 58% of the world's cocoa beans, the visit was particularly insightful, especially as farmers prepare for the new EU Deforestation Regulation that will significantly impact them. It became clear that more support, resources for agroforestry and community development are essential to help farmers adapt and sustain their businesses and livelihoods while playing a vital role in protecting the environment and tackling deforestation.
help us spread the word
The documentaries, interviews and multimedia projects developed by the Young Fair Trade Advocates aim to amplify the voices of those who are too often left out of the conversation.
We strive to shed light on the need for inclusive policymaking that genuinely reflects the perspectives of farming communities, young people and civil society at the core of our global food system.
Help us reach more people by sharing our content and supporting their stories.