Nutrition sensitive cocoa value chains could be applied to link sustainable cocoa farming systems and
improving the nutrition status of cocoa farmers. An analysis shows that under-nutrition is severe in
many areas worldwide where cocoa is sourced from. The approach was first piloted in Indonesia, but
has not yet been applied in Africa. CDI has conducted an exploratory study that takes into account key
characteristics of both cocoa farming and nutrition security to establish whether nutrition sensitive
cocoa farming could be realised in Ghana. Although Ghana is doing well compared to surrounding
countries in addressing under-nutrition, indicators are still worrying. This is also true for the cocoa
producing regions, where stunting levels remain high.
The study zooms in on the cocoa producing sub-district of Nyinahin (Ashanti province). This focus
allows for the collection of detailed data, which enables the provision of well-informed
recommendations. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected locally in individual and group
discussions with farmers and women. Focus group discussions with women in villages surrounding
Nyinahin provided relevant input on food consumption dynamics in households. A survey found an
Individual Dietary Diversity Score of 4.29, which means that on average the interviewed women daily
consume food from 4.29 out of 10 food groups. An IDDS score of 5 or higher will probably result in
intake of sufficient micronutrients. However, the consumption of foods that are high in vital
micronutrients could be much higher.
Although seasonal cocoa production in the Nyinahin sub-district has gradually increased, cocoa farms
around Nyinahin are very disorganised. This negatively affects cocoa productivity and chances to
successfully diversify cocoa farms, which would help to improve access to nutritious foods for cocoa
farming households. Food crops like cassava, cocoyam and kontomire grow in cocoa farms and
generally can be found in the lower areas close to water where cocoa trees cannot grow. Should cocoa
farmers in Ghana be stimulated to grow more nutritious food crops, there should be an incentive that
is clear and motivates farmers. Food crops produced, such as vegetables and fruits, can be used for
own consumption and for selling, which would increase the availability of nutritious food locally.
Increased dietary diversity of people in cocoa producing areas in Ghana will contribute to lower levels
of malnutrition and will stimulate higher productivity. To stimulate an increase dietary diversity, it is
advised that the production and consumption of kontomire, papaya, white beans and ground nuts is
encouraged. These commodities provide high levels of micronutrients and are accepted in local diets.
Nutrition awareness creation would also be necessary to raise consumption of eggs, palm nuts,
oranges and bananas. Farmers indicated that banana trees could serve as shadow trees for young
cocoa trees. This would provide farmer households with improved access to fruit and at the same time
serve a purpose for cocoa production.
Improved cocoa farming and improved nutrition need to go hand in hand at cocoa farms and in
training programs in order to show farmers the benefits of good nutrition in terms of improved health
(of children) and that higher production of healthy commodities means less food will have to be
acquired from markets. It is crucial to also reach women, because good nutrition practices will be
adopted in households when the women that collect and prepare the food prioritise the consumption of
nutritious food. Opportunities could be explored to integrate recommendations in Ghana’s agriculture
and related institutions in cooperation with the Ghanaian Ministries of Health, Food & Agriculture and
Cocoa Health.