The Kuapa Kokoo Story – and how ‘Divine’ chocolate began. Isaac Baidoo, Cocoa Farmer, KK Bean Recorder, Tarkwa Society President and National Welfare Chairperson of KKFU

Kuapa Kokoo Farmers Union We are a Fairtrade certified cocoa farmers’ organization in Ghana, West Africa, established in 1993, that works to improve the total well being of our members and satisfy our customers.

Africa Ghana

Ghana Kumasi Accra

Chocolate is made from cocoa beans which grow in pods on trees.

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Farmers own the cocoa trees and harvest the cocoa pods.

Cocoa pods are cut open using a cutlass.

Cocoa beans are then covered with banana leaves and allowed to ferment.

Drying the cocoa beans in the sun.

Farmers take the beans to one of the sheds for weighing.

The weight of the beans is recorded for each farmer. They are paid according to this weight.

The Quality Controller checks the quality of the beans and then seals the bags.

The bags are taken to the port for export by ship.

Cocoa being sealed by QCC Sealed cocoa ready to port KUAPA KOKOO FARMERS UNION: PRODUCT FLOW CHART Harvesting Breaking of cocoa pods Cocoa Fermentation Payment: recorder to farmer Weighing of cocoa at the zone shed Drying Cocoa being sealed by QCC Sealed cocoa ready to port

Kuapa Kokoo Farmers Union We are a Fairtrade certified cocoa farmers’ organization in Ghana, established in 1993. Kuapa Kokoo co-owns of Divine Chocolate, established 1998 We receive dividend from Divine

Our Values Our Objectives Transparency Democracy Equity Commitment & Concern for the Community Our Objectives Provide a medium for the social, economic and political empowerment of our farmers. Enhance participation of women in decision making at all levels Promote environmentally sustainable production processes Ethical Trade

Membership & Coverage Currently Kuapa Kokoo Farmers’ Union has over 85,000 members across 57 cocoa districts in 6 cocoa regions The union has 1,281 villages with average membership of 78 members

The Benefits of Fairtrade Guaranteed Price of $2,000 per tonne of cocoa beans Fairtrade Premium of $200 per tonne of cocoa beans Guaranteed, stable prices enable farmers’ families to budget and plan ahead.

The Fairtrade Premium. How are decision made to spend the premium? Decisions are made at the AGM. Before the AGM, societies make requests to the Board of KK After researching the projects, members vote at the AGM, to decide which projects are to be implemented that year.

The Benefits of Fairtrade Premium Clean Drinking Water for Rural Communities Dirty water can cause diseases such as Bilhazia, guinea worm - now have clean, safe drinking water

Schools in local communities Amankwatia School Kuapa Koko has constructed 9 schools in rural communities, and support 9 Basic Schools (primary) with books and stationery. They enable teachers to provide extra classes for children to keep them abreast of their counterparts in the towns and cities.

Building and refurbishing schools, and incentivising teachers – to ensure our girls and our boys get the best educational start in life What Fairtrade delivers: more education opportunities for girls and boys

Teachers’ Bungalow Toilets

Health Care The Mobile Clinic The clinic takes health care delivery to the doorstep of the farmer, their families and entire communities

One Member one machete Each member receives a new cutlass every season as a direct benefit from the premium.

Cash Bonus Members enjoy a small cash bonus from the Fairtrade Premium every year based on the number of bags delivered to KK. This encourages farmers to join KK.

Milling Machines - Corn Mill Some societies have been provided with Corn Mill Machines, to produce flour for cooking.

Milling Machines - Oil Palm Mill Some societies have been provided with Oil Palm Mill Machines to extract the palm oil for cooking.

Empowering women members of Kuapa Kokoo The programme provides skills training for Soap and Batik making and Oil Extraction to generate income during the light crop season. It also offers micro-credit.

Gender Activities in Pictures

Training and Capacity Building They provide all year-round training to farmers designed to meet their needs.

Internal Control Systems Training is offered over a wide range of issues such as Child Labour, Agro-Chemical Use, Fairtrade Capacity Building. Issues on safe use of pesticides and child labour are now well known by members.

Agricultural extension staff They advise members on good agricultural practices and travel to remote areas on motor bikes.

Environmental Programme The members are introduced to afforestation and reforestation to ensure environmental safety

Kuapa Kokoo Child Labour Unit Child labour is not permitted by Kuapa Kokoo (and Fairtrade) so where a risk is reported, the Child Labour Team activate a rescue mission or remediation exercise.

Community task force members for child labour in Enchi society

The Chocolate Maxim: "NO BEANS – NO BARS” Always Remember The Chocolate Maxim: "NO BEANS – NO BARS”

I am grateful for your co-operation THANK YOU! I am grateful for your co-operation Any Questions?