Swisscontact Ghana, in partnership with Kuapa Kokoo Farmers Union (KKFU) and other sector partners, has organized a targeted training program to equip youth and farmer representatives with essential skills in cocoa pruning and grafting. The training forms part of the Sankofa 3.0 Project and the Agroforestry Skills and Knowledge Initiative (ASKI), which aim to strengthen sustainable farming practices and improve productivity in Ghana’s cocoa sector.The initiative reflects Swisscontact’s broader commitment to fostering inclusive economic development by enhancing technical skills within agricultural value chains, while creating employment opportunities for young people in rural communities.
Ghana’s cocoa sector continues to face persistent challenges, including low productivity resulting from poor farm maintenance practices, climate variability, and the limited availability of skilled young labour. Addressing these challenges requires strengthening farmers’ technical capacity and introducing sustainable farm management approaches.
Through the collaboration between Swisscontact Ghana and Kuapa Kokoo Farmers Union (KKFU), the Training of Youth and Internal Control Officers on Dynamic Agroforestry (DAF) – Module 1 was implemented to strengthen the capacity of cocoa farmers and youth workers in effective pruning and grafting techniques.
A total of 80 youth workers and 21 Internal Control Officers (ICOs) are being trained through the program. The training focuses on both the eco-physiological principles of cocoa pruning and the practical techniques required to maintain healthy and productive cocoa trees.
The training program was delivered in phases to ensure participants gained both theoretical understanding and practical, hands-on experience.
The first phase held 19–20 February 2026, focused on ICOs, who play a key role in supporting and monitoring farmers within the Kuapa Kokoo cooperative system. Subsequently, two cohorts of youth workers and ICOs participated in intensive training sessions:
The theoretical sessions were held at the Kuapa Kokoo Farmers Union Business Development Center (BDC) in Goaso, where participants were introduced to the eco-physiological principles of cocoa pruning, farm management practices, and the fundamentals of grafting.
To reinforce this knowledge, the training also included extensive practical sessions conducted on selected cocoa farms. During these field exercises, participants worked directly with cocoa trees under the guidance of trainers, practicing techniques such as educational pruning, maintenance pruning, rehabilitation pruning, and grafting.
These hands-on demonstrations allowed participants to observe real farm conditions, apply the techniques themselves, and receive immediate feedback from trainers, ensuring they develop the confidence and competence required to support farmers in maintaining healthy and productive cocoa farms.
The training introduced participants to key pruning practices that are essential for maintaining healthy cocoa trees and improving yields. These included educational pruning for young trees, maintenance pruning to sustain productivity, and rehabilitation pruning to restore older or neglected trees.
Participants also gained introductory knowledge on cocoa grafting, an important technique that can support farm regeneration and improved productivity.
These skills form a core component of Dynamic Agroforestry (DAF), an approach that integrates ecological principles with cocoa production to enhance farm resilience, improve soil health, and ensure long-term sustainability.
Beyond improving farm productivity, the initiative also seeks to create meaningful economic opportunities for young people within the cocoa sector. By equipping youth with specialized skills in pruning and grafting, the program strengthens their employability as skilled service providers who can support cocoa farmers in maintaining productive farms.
The training is implemented through a partnership involving Swisscontact, Kuapa Kokoo Farmers Union (KKFU), Fairtrade Africa (FTA), Ecotop, and Halba, reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening sustainable cocoa production and supporting farming communities.
Through initiatives such as this, Swisscontact continues to work with sector partners to promote sustainable agricultural practices, improve livelihoods, and empower the next generation of agricultural professionals in Ghana’s cocoa value chain.