http://blog.worldcocoafoundation.org/ en Copyright 2009 Thu, 05 Nov 2009 08:57:06 -0500 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Entry: Clementine Leahy, World Cocoa Foundation The World Cocoa Foundation would like to thank all participants to the 16th Partnership meeting that was held in Brussels on October 14-15, 2009. Over 200 people from government, non-government organizations (NGO's), chocolate companies and researchers attended the two day conference. Subjects covered included: connecting the farmer to consumer; building capacity at the community, institutional and individual levels; applied science and extension; standard systems in the cocoa sector; recent production and consumption trends; and social issues in commodity chains such as child labor. The meeting presentations are now available on our website at the following link. We are thankful to your support of sustainable cocoa efforts and look forward to seeing each of you at the 17th World Cocoa Foundation Partnership Meeting in May 2010. ]]> http://blog.worldcocoafoundation.org/2009/11/wcf_16th_partnership_meeting_p.php http://blog.worldcocoafoundation.org/2009/11/wcf_16th_partnership_meeting_p.php Thu, 05 Nov 2009 08:57:06 -0500 Entry: Demanie Musu B. Flomo - Borlaug Fellow Date: October 12-16 2009 Venue: Des Moines, Iowa The World Food Prize Symposium was held to honor Dr. Gebisa Ejeta the 2009 World Food Prize Laureate from Ethiopia. It was attended by approximately 1,000 people from around the world with different cultural backgrounds to explore the topic: “What will the world eat? U.S. Impact on Global Food Security”. The event brought together academe of agricultural scientists and experts. They shared their expertise and knowledge on Dr. Borlaug’s past work, identified some future challenges, and spoke of the need to deal with the causes and not the symptoms by understanding the science and supporting sustainable systems for productivity. It was a privilege for me being part of this remarkable event because it widens my horizons on basic issues faced within the agriculture sector around the world-problems and some approachable solutions, as well as the agricultural production in the U.S. especially Iowa. I was also excited because of the agriculture tour organized by USDA/FAS for the Borlaug Fellows to different research stations and farms learning new ideas to enhance my knowledge and, making new friends and contacts, as well as seeing Bill Gates deliver the keynote address. Demanie Musu Flomo is the first Cocoa Borlaug Fellow from Liberia. She is completing her fellowship at the University of Tennessee where she is studying market information systems and cocoa quality issues. World Cocoa Foundation is pleased to be part of a partnership with the USDA Borlaug Fellowship Program. ]]> http://blog.worldcocoafoundation.org/2009/11/world_food_prize_symposium_sum.php http://blog.worldcocoafoundation.org/2009/11/world_food_prize_symposium_sum.php Tue, 03 Nov 2009 09:56:42 -0500 Entry: Bill Guyton, World Cocoa Foundation We were pleased to learn today that Stan Straughter has been elected the new Chairman of the Constituency for Africa in Washington, DC. For those in the development community, Stan is well-known for his advocacy work in supporting Africa. He, along with Mel Foote, President and CEO of CFA, will do an excellent job in raising the organization to even higher levels. World Cocoa Foundation has been a long-time supporter of CFA, and we have participated in their Ron Brown Series Meetings for the past three years in Washington. The organization brings together is an important voice and partner on African issues. Below is the CFA press release from today. Congratulations to Stan and the members and staff of CFA! STANLEY L. STRAUGHTER ELECTED CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR CONSTITUENCY FOR AFRICA October 6, 2009 - Washington, D.C. – Stanley L. Straughter was unanimously elected as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Constituency for Africa (CFA) at the conclusion of CFA’s 2009 Ronald H. Brown African Affairs Series in Washington, D.C. He graciously accepted this position and stated that he is extremely proud to follow in the footsteps of Congressman Ronald V. Dellums, Mayor David N. Dinkins and Ambassador Andrew Young respectively. Mr. Straughter had previously served as CFA’s Treasurer and brings to CFA a stellar background in legislative affairs, financial management, and non-profit fundraising as well as civic responsibility. He is affiliated with Thompson, Cobb, Bazilio and Associates, (TCBA), the largest African-American owned accounting firm in the United States. He is also a Special Advisor to both the Opportunities Industrialization Centers, International (OICI) and the International Foundation for Education and Self-Help (IFESH) and has more than thirty years experience in international development. Chairman Straughter has lived and worked in many countries on the continents of Africa, Central Asia, the Caribbean and Russia. As a finance specialist, he has provided services to foreign governments in governance and transparency by working with finance ministers and provided advice and counsel to governments on trade policy and foreign direct investments. He speaks French and has considerable working experience with bi-lateral and multi-lateral financial development entities such as the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), African Development Bank (AfDB), African Development Foundation (ADF), Eastern Caribbean Investment Promotion Services (ECIPS), U.S. Trade and Development Administration (TDA), the World Bank/International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC). He is actively involved with many international organizations and in particular is the Honorary Consul for the Republic of Guinea. He was also appointed by the Mayor of Philadelphia to Chair the Mayor’s Commission for African and Caribbean Immigrant Affairs and is a Founding Member of the Jamaican Trade Council of Greater Philadelphia. He is also a Board Member of the Global Interdependence Center. He frequently serves as a Senior Advisor and Consultant to both large and small organizations within the public and private sectors as well as non-profit entities. He is also the immediate past Coordinator of the African American Unity Caucus (AAUC). The Constituency for Africa is a 19-year old non-profit 501(c)3 advocacy organization whose vision is to create an educated U.S. public that is well informed about Africa and U.S. policy toward Africa. CFA’s mission is to mobilize and foster increased cooperation and coordination among a broad-based coalition of American, African and international organizations and individuals committed to the progress and empowerment of Africa and African people. Melvin P. Foote is the President and CEO of the Constituency for Africa and for more information about CFA, please visit our website at www.cfanet.org. ]]> http://blog.worldcocoafoundation.org/2009/10/congratulations_to_san_straugh.php http://blog.worldcocoafoundation.org/2009/10/congratulations_to_san_straugh.php Tue, 06 Oct 2009 14:07:59 -0500 Cat Alston, World Cocoa Foundation Hello, my name is Catherine Alston and I work at the World Cocoa Foundation as the Program Coordinator for the Cocoa Livelihoods Program (CLP). The program is jointly funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and 12 leading chocolate companies with the intent of reaching over 200,000 small-scale cocoa farmers in Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon and Liberia over the next five years. Last week I had the unique opportunity to attend the Corporate Council on Africa’s (CCA) 7th Biennial U.S. – Africa Business Summit in Washington, DC. Over 1,500 people registered for this important event. As a member of CCA for many years, World Cocoa Foundation was pleased to be a sponsor of the Summit. During the three day summit, there were a number of plenary sessions and workshops focused on key business sectors including agribusiness. Several speakers recognized the potential in cash crops, such as cocoa, as a driving force for the private and public sector to increase the income of millions in Africa and tackle the issue of food security head on. Bill Guyton from the World Cocoa Foundation spoke on the agricultural productivity panel, and moderated a workshop on policy reforms for the agricultural sector. The importance of agriculture in Africa and the challenges the continent faces were also stressed by the Presidents of Ghana, Rwanda, the Republic of Congo, São Tomé and Príncipe, and the Chairman of the African Union Commission during the Presidential Roundtable. Secretary Clinton gave an impassioned speech on the final day that not only highlighted the potential impact of sustainable agriculture, but also stressed the need to include local women when building this vital sector. For more information on Secretary Clinton’s speech please go to the following link and www.africacncl.org ]]> http://blog.worldcocoafoundation.org/2009/10/viable_agriculture_is_the_hope.php http://blog.worldcocoafoundation.org/2009/10/viable_agriculture_is_the_hope.php Tue, 06 Oct 2009 11:30:39 -0500 From: Bill Guyton, Charlie Feezel, David Noyes World Cocoa Foundation is pleased to announce a public-private partnership program called ECHOES II which will help improve educational and skills training for youth in the cocoa growing areas of Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana. Click here to read the full press release. The program is endorsed by both Ministries of Education in Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire. Supporters of this program include US Agency for International Development (USAID) Africa Education Initiative and its members Kraft Foods; The Hershey Company; Mars, Incorporated; Starbucks Coffee Company; Fazer Confectionery; Olam International Ltd.; The Hain Celestial Group, Inc.’s SunSpire brand; Guittard Chocolate Company and Barry Callebaut as well as The Jacobs Foundation and the Norwegian Association of Chocolate Manufacturers. Implementing partners are IFESH and Winrock. For more information on our youth education programs in West Africa, please visit the ECHOES page on our website. ]]> http://blog.worldcocoafoundation.org/2009/10/world_cocoa_foundation_youth_p.php http://blog.worldcocoafoundation.org/2009/10/world_cocoa_foundation_youth_p.php Thu, 01 Oct 2009 08:28:34 -0500 Challenges are Opportunities for Change: Summit on Investing in Education in Africa Classroom Interactions, Relevance, Nutrition and Health Care Are Among the Keys to Strengthening African Education Washington, D.C. (September 28, 2009) - U.S. Rep. Diane Watson (D-CA) joined experts from the U.S. Agency for International Development, academia, the non-profit arena, and the private sector last Wednesday to examine how all can work together to build educational opportunities for Africa’s children and young adults. Present trends indicate that by 2050, more than half the population of most African countries will be younger than 20. Efforts to provide the best possible education for this significant “human capital” cannot wait, speakers agreed. Congresswoman Diane Watson stressed the critical need to focus on young men as they have increasingly become an at-risk group throughout the African Diaspora. There is a concerted need to address the high levels of school dropout rates, levels of violence and other risky behavior among this cohort. U.S. assistance must complement Africa’s efforts to ensure that students arrive at school well-nourished, healthy, and ready to learn; are taught by trained, motivated teachers; and continue in school until they have useful job skills or qualifications to attend college. Equally important, Africa needs more capacity to train professionals, particularly graduate-level specialists in science, agriculture, engineering, and other technical fields. The Summit’s featured speakers included: - Dr. Sarah E. Moten, Chief, Africa Bureau, Office of Sustainable Development, Education Division of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID); - Dr. Hilary I. Inyang, President, African University of Science and Technology, Abuja, Nigeria; - Dr. Emmanuel Ojameruaye, Vice-President, Research and Program Development, IFESH (International Foundation for Education and Self-Help); and - Mr. Charlie Feezel, Education Program Director, World Cocoa Foundation. The goal of the Summit was to generate a set of necessary strategies targeting both African countries and international donors such as the U.S. on improving education outcomes from the primary to tertiary levels in Africa. A detailed report outlining discussed strategies is forthcoming. The Summit which was part of the Ronald H. Brown African Affairs Series, was co-sponsored by Leadership Africa USA, the Constituency for Africa and the International Foundation for Education and Self-Help. The 2009 Ron Brown African Affairs Series focused on how Americans of African descent can participate in and support the Obama administration’s foreign policy towards Africa.]]> http://blog.worldcocoafoundation.org/2009/09/education_experts_discuss_keys_1.php http://blog.worldcocoafoundation.org/2009/09/education_experts_discuss_keys_1.php Tue, 29 Sep 2009 08:45:34 -0500 Entry: Bill Guyton, World Cocoa Foundation Please see below a Washington Post article written by H.E. Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda, on the importance of Africa to the United States. The messages struck a positive chord with me. It highlights the opportunities for the United States and Africa countries to work in closer partnership in order to bring about sustainable development. Why the U.S. Needs Africa Washington Post By Paul Kagame Monday, September 21, 2009 Africa and the United States may be on the verge of a new partnership, not one of dependency and aid but one of shared ideas, vision and investments that increase our mutual prosperities. To begin this improved relationship, both must accept urgent and substantial changes in the nature of our bond. Africa needs to acknowledge a key tenet of President Obama's July address to Ghana's parliament: that a vibrant private sector is critical for capable, reliable and transparent societies. Without a dynamic private sector, no society can prosper. The African continent has been slow to foster conditions that build active private enterprise. Africa must adopt policies that strengthen governance and promote economic growth to create conditions for a strong and innovative private sector. These are the most durable strategies for advancing socioeconomic transformation. Like all nations, my country is not perfect, but Rwanda continues to build strong foundations for stability and improve standards of living for all of our people. This has led to greater social integration and gender equity. Rwanda has leveraged the contribution of women for its productivity and prosperity; ours is the only country in the world with women as a majority in parliament. Rwanda has moved from instability to reconciliation and sustainable development largely through our Vision 2020 strategy. The primary principles of this strategy include macroeconomic stability; wealth creation to reduce dependence; and a shift from an agriculture-based economy toward a knowledge-based economy, with a vibrant service sector. We have enacted and consistently enforce a rule of law that counters corruption and supports our ambitious reform agenda. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton acknowledged our progress, and the importance of "policies based on evidence and measurable results," during an Aug. 5 speech in Kenya. Rwanda's ranking as the top global reformer in the World Bank Doing Business 2010 report illustrates what can be achieved with vision and engagement. The recommendations in President Obama's July 11 address are as pertinent for the United States as they were for Africa. Africa's prosperity, he said, "can expand America's prosperity. [Its] health and security can contribute to the world's." The link between the U.S. economy and African markets is critical, especially given global economic conditions and the potential Africa represents as a profitable new market. It is no longer enough for the United States to work for Africa based on pity; the United States must work with Africa to build both our economies and improve the lives of all of our people. The United States has long supported assistance to Africa. The United States must recognize that Africa is now in a position to be of assistance to the United States. It is time to acknowledge our mutual reliance with clear actions. Yes -- Africa must improve its governance institutions and embrace private-sector development. We appreciate the African Growth Opportunity Act and acknowledge that Africa has not fulfilled its potential; African countries should take responsibility for shortfalls in their efforts and take greater advantage of opportunities under this act. Meanwhile, the United States should increase financing to U.S. companies wishing to do business in Africa through key financial institutions such as Export-Import Bank of the United States and the Overseas Private Investment Corp. The United States has committed less to African markets than the emerging economies of Asia have; China guarantees nearly 30 times more in loans for investment in Africa than the United States does. Africa's needs are so great that there is ample room for both U.S. and Chinese investment. Increased U.S. investment in Africa would translate into more opportunities for U.S. companies, with high potential for profit flowing back to the U.S. economy. The United States should also support regional initiatives in Africa. Africa's economic development does not stop at national boundaries. Our markets need to be connected by better roads, by canals and ports, and through new technologies. Yet few U.S. companies are competing for large-scale and regional projects. The development of regional trading pacts similar to the North American Free Trade Agreement is among Africa's highest priorities. Regional development would better allow U.S. products and companies to reach beyond individual countries to greater markets without the burden of tariffs and legislative burdens. As I meet with President Obama and other world leaders this month at the U.N. General Assembly in New York and the Corporate Council on Africa's U.S.-Africa Business Summit in Washington, I will remind them that development assistance to Africa is important but that the best type of aid leads to investment in national infrastructure and private-sector reinforcement. Without a vibrant private sector, there can be no economic growth or development. If the U.S. private sector played a greater role in Africa, mutual development would follow. To achieve this, the Obama administration must facilitate U.S. investment in Africa, and African leaders must attract greater U.S. investment by consolidating our institutions for effective governance. The writer is president of the Republic of Rwanda. ]]> http://blog.worldcocoafoundation.org/2009/09/africas_importance_to_the_unit.php http://blog.worldcocoafoundation.org/2009/09/africas_importance_to_the_unit.php Tue, 22 Sep 2009 09:03:17 -0500 Entry: Bill Guyton and Robert Peck, World Cocoa Foundation We had the pleasure to meet some very distiguished visitors on Wednesday this week. A delegation from Jamaica, led by Agricultural Minister Tufton, joined USAID and several World Cocoa Foundation company members, met in our offices to discuss ways to revitalize Jamacia's cocao sector. We commend the actions of the Agriculture Ministry and USAID and look forward to helping Jamaican cocoa farmers. Please see the article below from Radio Jamaica. USAID to assist local cocoa industry Thursday, 17 September 2009 Assistance in restructuring Jamaica's cocoa industry is coming from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the World Cocoa Foundation. This follows meetings between Agriculture Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton and those agencies during his first official trip to Washington D.C. this week. A team of experts sponsored by USAID is scheduled to be in Jamaica next week to concretise the arrangements. The experts hail from Agricultural Cooperatives Development International and the Volunteers in Overseas Cooperative Assistance. The assistance came after Dr. Tufton outlined to the USAID, government initiatives to restructure the cocoa growing sector and reposition it to support economic growth. "I provided a briefing as to what we are doing. A number of these organizations are already involved with us on a particular project so we used the opportunity to advertise some of those existing relationships and also to secure agreements on new arrangements," Dr. Tufton said. He said the restructuring would involve divestment of some entities. Dr. Tufton expects this divestment will help attract the right private sector players to the industry, expanding production capacity to 3,000 tons, yearly. There are currently 11,000 cocoa farmers producing some 650 tons of cocoa, while there is demand for 1,400 tons. Dr. Tufton pointed out that if production goals are achieved, the industry would be on the right track as a foreign exchange earner. ]]> http://blog.worldcocoafoundation.org/2009/09/jamaica_cocoa.php http://blog.worldcocoafoundation.org/2009/09/jamaica_cocoa.php Fri, 18 Sep 2009 09:12:51 -0500 Entry: Bill Guyton Yesterday we learned that one of the most important leaders of our time, Dr. Norman E. Borlaug, had passed away. Referred to as the "Father of the Green Revolution", Dr. Borlaug helped to develop high yielding grain varieties, reducing hunger and leading to improved economic prosperity for thousands of small-scale farmers from around the world. He received a Nobel Peace Prize in 1970 in recognition for his contributions. Through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Norman E. Borlaug International Agricultural Science and Technology Fellows Program, his legacy has also helped young cocoa researchers from West Africa, Latin America and Southeast Asia to learn more about disease and pest management with leading researchers in the United States. The World Cocoa Foundation is proud to be a partner of this important program. Please see the following blog entries from 2008 and 2009 USDA Cocoa Borlaug Fellows: Raquel Guerrero, INIAP, Ecuador James Quiroz, INIAP, Ecuador Alexis Matute, INIAP, Ecuador Rhodina Cena, University of Southern Mindanao, the Philippines: Muhammad Junaid, Hasanuddin University, Indonesia Rhodina Cena and Muhammad Junaid Joseph Chuks Anikwe, Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria Abu Mustapha Dadzie, Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana Lewis Dobgima Levai, IRAD, Cameroon Below is an article from the Wall Street Journal which further highlights the career of this extraordinary man. Norman Borlaug, The Man who Fed the World. On the day Norman Borlaug was awarded its Peace Prize for 1970, the Nobel Committee observed of the Iowa-born plant scientist that "more than any other single person of this age, he has helped provide bread for a hungry world." The committee might have added that more than any other single person Borlaug showed that nature is no match for human ingenuity in setting the real limits to growth. Borlaug, who died Saturday at 95, came of age in the Great Depression, the last period of widespread hunger in U.S. history. The Depression was over by the time Borlaug began his famous experiments, funded by the Rockefeller Foundation, with wheat varieties in Mexico in the 1940s. But the specter of global starvation loomed even larger, as advances in medicine and hygiene contributed to population growth without corresponding increases in the means of feeding so many. Borlaug solved that challenge by developing genetically unique strains of "semidwarf" wheat, and later rice, that raised food yields as much as sixfold. The result was that a country like India was able to feed its own people as its population grew from 500 million in the mid-1960s, when Borlaug's "Green Revolution" began to take effect, to the current 1.16 billion. Today, famines—whether in Zimbabwe, Darfur or North Korea—are politically induced events, not true natural disasters. In later life, Borlaug was criticized by self-described "greens" whose hostility to technology put them athwart the revolution he had set in motion. Borlaug fired back, warning in these pages that fear-mongering by environmental extremists against synthetic pesticides, inorganic fertilizers and genetically modified foods would again put millions at risk of starvation while damaging the very biodiversity those extremists claimed to protect. In saving so many, Borlaug showed that a genuine green movement doesn't pit man against the Earth, but rather applies human intelligence to exploit the Earth's resources to improve life for everyone. ]]> http://blog.worldcocoafoundation.org/2009/09/world_cocoa_foundation_pays_tr_1.php http://blog.worldcocoafoundation.org/2009/09/world_cocoa_foundation_pays_tr_1.php Mon, 14 Sep 2009 11:31:47 -0500 Entry: Bill Guyton, World Cocoa Foundation Yesterday, colleagues at OECD/Club du Sahel posted a new regional cocoa initiative in West Africa (English Version) and (French Version) on their website. For those of you who are not familiar with Club du Sahel, they are an organization founded in 1976 to raise international awareness and support for the many challenges facing the nearly 290 million people living in 17 West African countries. OECD/Club du Sahel aids in the development and implementation of action-oriented policies and investments. What impresses me most about Club du Sahel is their knowledge of West Africa and commitment to work in partnership with local and regional institutions in addressing development and social issues. Why is OECD/Club du Sahel interested in cocoa and child labour? West Africa produces more than 70% of the world's cocoa production, and touches over a million and a half small-scale family farms in the region. In their recent report, OECD/Club du Sahel mentions opportunities to look at child labour more in a regional context, and to understand the root causes of this complex problem. Child labour needs to be addressed holistically, within the general context of the future of youth, poverty and economic development. The phenomenon occurs not only in cocoa, but in many agricultural sectors such as pineapple, banana and cotton farming. A Stakeholder Approach: Earlier this year, the World Cocoa Foundation, along with several key stakeholders including the International Labor Organization (ILO), UNICEF, USAID, ECOWAS, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation of Belgium, CAOBISCO, the European Cocoa Association, ICI and others were invited by OECD/Club du Sahel to share experiences and ideas on how best to address child labour in West Africa’s cocoa sector. These consultations resulted in a “joint statement” for a positive path forward. A Path Forward: The OECD/Club du Sahel is seeking to work with existing partners and programs, building on the good work underway by the governments of Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire to further strengthen efforts through support of regional organizations such as ECOWAS, UEMOA and CILSS. These regional organizations can help address cross-border and migration dimensions of the West Africa cocoa sector and child labour. The World Cocoa Foundation is pleased to be one of several stakeholders supporting this initiative. ]]> http://blog.worldcocoafoundation.org/2009/09/regional_leadership_commitment_1.php http://blog.worldcocoafoundation.org/2009/09/regional_leadership_commitment_1.php Wed, 09 Sep 2009 10:28:39 -0500 Entry: Raquel Guerrero, INIAP From May 24 to July 14, 2009, I participated in the Norman E. Borlaug International Agricultural Science and Technology Fellows Program. It has been a very good experience both for my professional and personal development. During this program, I had the opportunity to acquire new knowledge which will allow me to go further in my ongoing research on the biological control of cocoa diseases. My training was focused in the development of formulations of biocontrol agents to control cocoa diseases using spores of a fungus called Trichoderma spp. To reach this goal, my mentor Dr. Bryan A. Bailey taught me the methodology in the Sustainable Perennial Crops Laboratory (SPCL) of the Agricultural Research Service of the USDA. Outside of the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (Beltsville, Maryland). During the eight weeks, I worked learning laboratory techniques to prepare and evaluate formulations of spores of Trichoderma sp. In addition, I met people and researchers who are working in my research field that extended my knowledge and gave me the opportunity to share the situation of cocoa and research in my country. Working in the hood in the SPCL (A). Germination of spores (B) and chlamidospores (C) of Trichoderma sp. I am really grateful to Dr. Norman E. Borlaug, The Norman Borlaug International Agriculture Science and Technology Fellows Program, the United States Department of Agriculture, World Cocoa Foundation, the USDA/Agricultural Research Service, Sustainable Perennial Crops Laboratory and Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Agropecuarias (INIAP) for giving me the opportunity to participate in this training program and make contacts. It will allow me to keep on conducting experiments in order to improve the cultivation conditions of cocoa and also to improve the farmers’ way of life in my country. ]]> http://blog.worldcocoafoundation.org/2009/09/my_borlaug_experience.php http://blog.worldcocoafoundation.org/2009/09/my_borlaug_experience.php Wed, 02 Sep 2009 11:49:08 -0500 Kadjebi, Aug. 29, GNA - The Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG)on Saturday said it would facilitate poverty reduction programmes among populations in cocoa growing areas. It is therefore facilitating the promotion of more profitable ways of preparing “alata samina” also called “alata soap, throughout the cocoa growing areas. Dr Jemmy Takrama, Senior Research Officer of CRIG, said this at a workshop for women groups in the Kadjebi, Jasikan and Akpafu areas of the Volta Region, on new ways of making “alata samina.” He said the new ways which was an improved version of the traditional method would help the women make more profits. The Rural Enterprises Project of the National Board for Small-Scale Industries (NBSSI) collaborated in the programme, which is funded by the World Cocoa Foundation. Dr Takrama said similar workshops had been organized for women in the Western, Brong-Ahafo and Central Regions and that the aim of CRIG was for people in the cocoa production areas to put cocoa by-products to good use. Dr Takrama, who is also the Project Coordinator, said the women were being trained in packaging and costing too. GNA Source: GNA - Ghana News Agency]]> http://blog.worldcocoafoundation.org/2009/08/poverty_reduction_in_the_cocoa.php http://blog.worldcocoafoundation.org/2009/08/poverty_reduction_in_the_cocoa.php Mon, 31 Aug 2009 08:44:18 -0500 Entry: Bill Guyton Mrs. Rita Owusu-Amankwah, NPECLC Coordinator in Ghana informed us today of a new program to help youth in the rural sectors of Ghana. The "One-Child-One-Laptop" Project is an example of the leadership role that the Government of Ghana is taking to improve educational opportunities. Ghana is the second largest cocoa producer in the world, and this program will help youth in farming communities. Please see article below: One-Child-One Laptop Project Launched In Suhum The District Chief Executive (DCE),Hon. Samuel Fleischer Kwabi has launched an ICT centre for One-Child-One Laptop project at Okorase D/A Experimental School in the Suhum Kraboa Coaltar District in the Eastern Region. Child Rights International in collaboration with One- Child- One Laptop company in the United States of America initiated the project with the aim to make technology available to the rural child especially those in the cocoa growing areas in the country. The DCE in his address expressed gratitude to the initiators of the project and urged the children to make good use of the equipments to explore programmes that will expand their intellectual capacity. The District Director of Ghana Education Service, Mrs. Gifty Aseidu-Okanta noted that modern teaching and learning materials will help improve quality education and economic growth in the country. She advised parents and members of the community to give their children enough time to learn and not use them for economic generating support services because they are the future leaders of the country. She appealed to the school to not only to allow the children to have access to the computers but also ensure that adequate security is provided for the gadgets. The Programme Manager for NPECLC, Mrs. Rita Owusu-Amankwah in her contribution stated that, their organisation has collaborated with a number of Municipal and District Assemblies to eliminate child labour in cocoa growing areas. She reiterated that the establishment of the centre will demystify the common notion that computer skills is for only those in the big cities. In addition, it will help improve the quality of education and living standards of the people in the district. Mr. Derrick Richardson, the team leader of the One-Child-One-Laptop project said their work with the children and teachers of the community have been a great experience. Adding that the facility will bridge the ICT gap between the Western countries and Ghana. Source: ISD (Evelyn Harvey, Suhum)]]> http://blog.worldcocoafoundation.org/2009/08/congratulations_to_ghana_for_t.php http://blog.worldcocoafoundation.org/2009/08/congratulations_to_ghana_for_t.php Fri, 28 Aug 2009 15:30:09 -0500 Entry: Bill Guyton and Tracey Duffey Today we were pleased to read the article on Philstar regarding sustainable cocoa-growing efforts in the Philippines. The Summit in Manila later this week on August 28th will be attended by World Cocoa Foundation member CocoaPhil along with other WCF member companies , USDA, and our long-time partner ACDI/VOCA who also works with the World Cocoa Foundation in Ecuador and Liberia. The Summit will explore the great potential for intercropping cocoa in coconut farms in several regions of the country. Bright prospects for Philippine cocoa industry (philstar.com) Updated August 23, 2009 12:00 AM MANILA, Philippines - The country’s vibrant cocoa industry takes center stage as the Cocoa Foundation of the Philippines (Cocoaphil) and ACDI/VOCA hold the Philippine Cacao Summit on Aug. 28 at the SM Megatrade Hall in Mandaluyong City. According to Cocoaphil president Edward David, cocoa is undergoing resurgence, due largely to the Success Alliance Philippines Phase II program funded by the US Department of Agriculture and implemented by ACDI/VOCA and Cocoaphil. With guests of honor US Ambassador Kristie Kenney and Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap, the event will discuss ways of strengthening the industry and meeting global demands. There is vast potential for the expansion of cocoa, with more than two million hectares of coconut lands highly suited to inter-planting with cocoa. The global demand for cocoa beans grows at about 90,000 tons annually, and Southeast Asia would need an additional 220,000 tons. The USDA-funded Success Alliance Phase II Program was launched in 2006 and has trained 150 trainers and 15,000 smallholder farmers in cocoa production, post-harvest processing, pest and disease management, and marketing through the farmer field school methodology and participatory extension methods. ACDI-VOCA Chief of Party Nic Richards said that cocoa is highly-suited to intercropping and mixed farming systems in the Philippines, noting that the price of cocoa has doubled over the last 18 months. “The Philippines is well placed as future supplier of quality cocoa beans for local, regional and international trade markets. Some 100,000 hectares of cocoa producing 100,000 tons of cocoa by 2015, valued at $300 million can be attained, and would position cocoa as one of the country’s top three agricultural products,” he concluded. Cocoaphil is the umbrella organization promoting integrated and sustained development of the cocoa industry by leveraging resources and providing services and assistance in continuing education, technology promotion and industry data.]]> http://blog.worldcocoafoundation.org/2009/08/cocoa_farming_in_the_philippin_1.php http://blog.worldcocoafoundation.org/2009/08/cocoa_farming_in_the_philippin_1.php Mon, 24 Aug 2009 13:25:46 -0500 Entry: James Quiroz, Ecuador The trip to the Philadelphia area in Pennsylvania was enriching. Accompanied by Abiola O. Adeyemi (USDA/FAS) and Virginia Sopyla (World Cocoa Foundation) we were introduced to the final stages of the cocoa value chain where we observed the processes of receiving, packaging and maintenance of large volumes of cocoa beans from different regions of the world. At the port in Camden (New Jersey), we could see what some of the problem areas are. Developing solutions is something that I can work on as a researcher in cocoa cultivation – institutionalizing processes in Ecuador to improve the phytosanitary and physical condition of our cocoa. Visiting Barry Callebaut and Blommer allowed me to learn about the principles and criteria for tasting chocolate, as well as to observe the process of selecting, cleaning and handling of cocoa to form different sub-products such as cocoa powder, cocoa butter and other derivatives that are later used by chocolate companies. The visit to Hershey was very interesting as we learned more about the business and the company’s history. At Mars, it was interesting to learn about their vision for research and development to obtain a high quality dark chocolate product. Finally, I offer my profound appreciation to Dr. Norman Borlaug whose fellowship program has allowed me to participate in this process and also to USDA and all of their technical and administrative personnel for welcoming me and giving me the opportunity to receive training in the area of molecular biology at the laboratory in Miami, Florida. This will allow me to develop new hybridization programs with the goal of improving cocoa genetics in my country to provide our farmers with new clones of improved Nacional cocoa with resistance to diseases and improved productivity. I also must not forget to thank my institution, INIAP, for giving me the opportunity to participate in this excellent professional training program. Our group with the Camden International Commodities Terminal LLC staff in the warehouse (from left to right): Steve Yeager (Camden), Abiola Adeyemi (USDA/FAS), myself, Brandy Lynn (Camden) and Raquel Guerrero (INIAP).]]> http://blog.worldcocoafoundation.org/2009/08/visiting_the_wcf_member_compan.php http://blog.worldcocoafoundation.org/2009/08/visiting_the_wcf_member_compan.php Fri, 07 Aug 2009 15:16:42 -0500