West and Central Africa have strong rural economies set within some of the world's largest forest expanses. The Congo Basin spans eight countries, contains the world's second largest contiguous forest, and boasts abundant biodiversity and natural resources. It also provides food, water, and shelter to some 75 million people.
Seventy percent of the world’s cocoa comes from West Africa, where cocoa cultivation is a way of life reaching back for generations. Most of the cocoa throughout the region is grown by smallholder farmers who struggle not only with economic hardship, but also with the effects of climate change—hotter temperatures, unpredictable rainfall, and a shift in growing seasons.
Sustainable agriculture and community forestry are powerful strategies for conserving the abundance of natural resources in West and Central Africa. In addition to our work to conserve the forests of the Congo Basin, we partner with farming communities to build climate-resilient, sustainable agriculture landscapes.
What do gold and cocoa have in common? Child labor, unfortunately. Find out about the innovative approach we took to helping cocoa families in Ghana thrive so they could let their kids be kids.... Continue Reading
Despite producing around 45 percent of the world’s cocoa beans, an estimated 87 percent of cocoa-growing households in Côte d’Ivoire earn below a living income.... Continue Reading
Future Farmers begins with a one-acre demo farm in Kagio, Kenya, where everything is an opportunity for experimentation and growth.... Continue Reading
We're helping farmers increase their incomes and conserve a precious ecosystem.... Continue Reading
What do gold and cocoa have in common? Child labor, unfortunately. Find out about the innovative approach we took to helping cocoa families in Ghana thrive so they could let their kids be kids.... Continue Reading
Despite producing around 45 percent of the world’s cocoa beans, an estimated 87 percent of cocoa-growing households in Côte d’Ivoire earn below a living income.... Continue Reading
In Ghana's Sui River region, we empower local communities to combat deforestation and climate change through regenerative agriculture, forest restoration, and sustainable economic practices. ... Continue Reading
The Wall Street Journal spotlights the challenges facing smallholder cocoa farmers in West Africa as the EU Regulation on Deforestation-free Products (EUDR) takes effect. It also highlights the Rainforest Alliance's on-the-ground role in helping these farmers align with the legislation's requirements.
Cocoa prices have reached record highs due to severe supply shortages globally. The worsening impact of climate change, plant diseases, and socioeconomic challenges faced by cocoa-producing countries have all played a role. Smallholder farmers in West Africa, who supply around 70% of the world's cocoa, bear the brunt of these challenges despite being crucial players in the industry.
We have adapted this new tool to monitor both carbon storage and biodiversity in forests, helping forest communities and companies make data-backed decisions about the landscapes they work in.... Continue Reading