The Ghana Cocoa Forest REDD+ Programme (GCFRP) has achieved significant strides in mitigating carbon emissions, showcasing its potential as a powerful tool in combating climate change. Within a mere six months, from June to December 2019, the programme facilitated a reduction of 970,000 metric tonnes of carbon emissions. This remarkable achievement highlights the effectiveness of the GCFRP’s multifaceted approach, which combines sustainable farming practices with financial incentives for emission reductions. This success story emanates from the Asunafo-Asutifi Hotspot Intervention Area (HIA), one of the six HIAs under the GCFRP, and underscores the program’s broader impact across Ghana. The HIA Management Board, a key player in the program’s implementation, plays a vital role in overseeing and coordinating these efforts at the local level.
The GCFRP operates on a principle of emission reduction payments, rewarding communities and farmers for their efforts in preserving forests and adopting climate-smart agricultural practices. This financial incentive mechanism not only encourages sustainable land management but also contributes to improved livelihoods for participating farmers. Funding from the World Bank, a key partner in the initiative, enables the distribution of essential farm inputs, protective equipment, and the implementation of community development projects. This comprehensive approach ensures that the program addresses both environmental and socio-economic needs, fostering a sustainable and equitable approach to conservation. Collaboration between the Forestry Commission, the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), civil society organizations (CSOs), and private sector actors ensures a holistic approach to implementation, leveraging the expertise and resources of diverse stakeholders.
The GCFRP’s impact extends beyond carbon emission reductions. By promoting sustainable farming practices, the program contributes to the preservation of Ghana’s valuable forest resources, which are under increasing threat from illegal logging, mining activities, and bushfires. The Green Commodities Programme (GCP), another SECO-UNDP funded initiative, complements the GCFRP’s efforts by further supporting sustainable agriculture and community development. The GCP’s interventions in addressing forest degradation offer hope for the restoration of these vital ecosystems, potentially reversing the negative impacts of unsustainable practices within the next decade. The collaborative efforts of the GCFRP and GCP demonstrate the importance of integrated approaches to environmental conservation and sustainable development.
The financial mechanisms underlying the GCFRP are instrumental in its success. The program has disbursed over $4 million and $16 million in two separate payment cycles across the six HIAs. Specifically, the Asunafo-Asutifi HIA alone received over $4 million in the second round of carbon emission reduction payments. These funds are strategically allocated to procure essential resources for farmers, including wellington boots, cutlasses, and economic tree seedlings. The provision of these resources not only supports climate-smart cocoa production but also directly benefits over 130,000 farmers in the region, enhancing their livelihoods and strengthening their commitment to sustainable practices.
The tangible benefits of the GCFRP are evident in the testimonies of participating farmers. Madam Sarah Owusu, a cocoa farmer, attests to the program’s positive impact on farmers’ skills in good agricultural practices, leading to improved yields and incomes. Similarly, Mr. Tuah Yaw credits the GCFRP’s support for enabling him to diversify his income sources through beekeeping and livestock farming, enhancing his resilience to economic shocks. These personal accounts highlight the transformative potential of the program in empowering local communities and fostering sustainable development.
Looking ahead, the National Project Manager of SECO-UNDP GCP, Mr. Mathias Edetor, emphasizes the importance of continued collaboration and engagement. He urges the HIA Board to strengthen partnerships with other functional units within the governance structure and other HIAs to attract further investment in emission reduction efforts and sustainable agriculture. This collaborative approach is crucial for scaling up the program’s impact and ensuring its long-term sustainability. The GCFRP’s success story serves as a compelling example of how targeted interventions can deliver significant environmental and socio-economic benefits, offering a model for other regions grappling with the challenges of deforestation and climate change. By fostering collaboration, empowering local communities, and providing financial incentives for sustainable practices, the GCFRP paves the way for a greener and more prosperous future for Ghana.
