Kuapa Kokoo: Ghanaian cocoa cooperative

When sustainability in the Fair Trade movement is discussed, it is usually within the context of environmental, social or economic sustainability in cooperatives. But we rarely talk about the structural sustainability of the cooperative system itself. When a cooperative is built in such a way that it is truly democratic, the positive gains are spread proportionally, and there is accountability on every level, there is an extraordinary opportunity for it to grow steadily and keep gaining strength. Last week TransFair USA welcomed two representatives from Kuapa Kokoo in Ghana, a cocoa growing cooperative based in Kumasi. In speaking with and learning from Cecilia Appianim and Kojo Aduhene-Tano, the main thing that stood out about Kuapa Kokoo was its organizational structure: its size, strength and efficiency. The effects of the grassroots foundation flow upward to support the cooperative’s management, the benefits of its efficient production flow down in the form of guaranteed minimum prices and premium funds to members.

Kuapa Kokoo was formed in 1993 around 23 societies (villages), numbering 2,000 farmers. Today, the 1,500 societies within Kuapa Kokoo contain over 45,000 farmers. This stunning growth is attributable to the size of the cocoa market in West Africa, the emerging market for Fair Trade chocolate, and the solid structure of the cooperative itself. Although it originated high in the Andes Mountains of South America, almost 70% of the world’s chocolate comes from the forests of West Africa. Of that, between 16-20% comes from Ghana alone. Kuapa Kokoo is positioned in the heart of the world cocoa market; a cooperative that is proof positive of the economic, environmental and social benefits that are possible when Fair Trade is embraced. As Kojo proclaims emphatically, “Kuapa Kokoo is Papa Paa!” Meaning the chocolate is “the Best of the Best.” The co-op operates on a model of transparency, democracy and gender equality to ensure equality and full participation by its members...

[Continue reading this article at the Fair Trade Certified blog]