Climate Change biggest threat to cocoa farmers – IDH’s Charles Brefo

The Program Manager of IDH, Mr. Charles Brefo, has advised farmers in the Atiwa West District to embrace sustainable farming practices by integrating tree planting into their cocoa farms to help mitigate the effects of climate change. His comments were made during a Community Watch Interactive Radio Campaign held at the Kwabeng Community Center.

The event was part of a larger initiative aimed at educating farmers about sustainable cocoa farming practices.

In his address, Mr. Brefo emphasized the importance of teaching farmers how to plant trees on their cocoa farms to improve productivity and combat the negative effects of climate change. “Because of climate change, there is a need to educate farmers on how they can plant trees to support their cocoa production,” Mr. Brefo stated, noting that the gathering was organized to address the concerns of 13 farmer cooperatives in the region.

Mr. Brefo explained that the initiative was designed to inform farmers on the practicalities of integrating trees into their cocoa farms. “We are gathering here to show farmers how to plant trees on their cocoa farms, the correct spacing between the cocoa plants and trees, and also how they can own the trees they plant or already have on their farms,” he said.

The Program Manager also took the opportunity to address historical concerns related to land ownership and the planting of trees. “In the past, all land, including stool land, customary land, and everything on the land such as trees, timber, and minerals, belonged to the government. As a result, when we encouraged farmers to plant trees on their farms, they were hesitant, fearing the government would claim ownership of the trees,” Mr. Brefo explained. However, he reassured farmers that the legal landscape has changed.

“The laws regarding tree ownership have totally changed. Now, when farmers plant trees on their farms, they will own them,” he said. This clarification aims to boost farmer confidence in tree planting initiatives.

To further support farmers, Mr. Brefo highlighted the ongoing partnership between IDH, Cocoa Board, and the Forestry Commission, which is running a radio program on Radio1 (100.7 FM) every Tuesday from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM. The program is designed to educate farmers about climate change, tree planting techniques, and how they can register the trees they plant to become the legal owners. “Due to climate change, we are encouraging farmers to plant trees on their farms, and they will become the rightful owners of those trees once they are registered with the Forestry Commission,” he noted.

For those who are unable to tune in to the live broadcast, Mr. Brefo assured that the audio from the radio program will be distributed to communities so that all farmers can benefit from the information and apply it to their farms.

In closing, Mr. Brefo advised farmers to take the necessary steps to formally register the trees they plant with the Forestry Commission to ensure legal ownership. “When farmers plant trees on their farms, they need to visit the Forestry Commission to have the trees registered so that they become the rightful owners of those trees forever,” he concluded.

This initiative is part of broader efforts to improve sustainability in the cocoa sector while helping farmers adapt to the changing climate. The tree-planting program offers a path for farmers to increase productivity, protect the environment, and secure their future as the owners of their land and trees.

Source: Radiooneghana.com/ Osor Dynamic