Cocobod’s Sekyere East district office is nearing the completion stage of its fertilizer distribution and improved cocoa seedlings distribution program, an initiative that has brought immense joy to hundreds of farmers who registered and had their farms surveyed.
The distribution was strategically timed to coincide with the active rainfall period, allowing seedlings to establish well-developed roots and thrive during the harmattan season. This thoughtful approach likely resulted from collaboration with the Ghana Meteorological Agency to study rainfall patterns in the district.
What sets this distribution apart is the stringent measures employed to ensure transparency and fairness. Farmers were required to present their Ghana cards during collection, guaranteeing that seedlings reached the intended beneficiaries. This approach has earned Cocobod kudos for its dedication to supporting farmers. In addition to seedlings, Cocobod distributed eco-friendly plant seedlings to farmers, promoting sustainable farming practices that protect cocoa plants from the harsh effects of global warming.
Unlike previous instances where Cocobod workers were accused of corrupt practices, this distribution was marked by strong surveillance, ensuring fertilizers reached deserving farmers. This renewed sense of accountability is a welcome change. One person who deserves special mention among the leadership is Patrick Asare, who has been swift in responding to farmers’ queries and concerns. Surrounded by a dedicated team, he has been able to efficiently address issues and provide support to farmers. His commitment and dedication to his work are truly commendable.
Despite the successes chalked, both distributors of seedlings and farmers suffered from scorching sun and rainfall beatings due to the huge numbers of farmers involved. This congestion led to a chaotic experience for all parties. To improve the distribution process, we recommend grouping farmers into categories based on seedling requirements (thousands, hundreds, tens). This is feasible since surveyors recorded the exact number of seedlings each farmer needs during farm measurements. Assign specific locations at the distribution site for each category. Additionally, stationing farmers from the same community at a designated site with a board displaying the community’s name will enable farmers to easily locate their designated area and reduce confusion. Scheduling distribution dates for each community or category will also help avoid congestion and ensure a smoother experience for farmers.
Cocobod’s efforts in the Sekyere East district are a testament to its potential to positively impact farmers’ lives. As farmers eagerly await the August cocoa price increase and continued input support, we hope Cocobod will build on this momentum to create a brighter future for Ghana’s cocoa industry.
by
Nimrod Opoku Mensah
