The Future of Farming Begins with Young Farmers in Kenya
Future Farmers begins with a one-acre demo farm in Kagio, Kenya, where everything is an opportunity for experimentation and growth.... Continue Reading
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What's at Stake
West and Central Africa have strong rural economies set within some of the world's largest forest expanses. The Congo Basin spans eight countries, contains the world's second largest contiguous forest, and boasts abundant biodiversity and natural resources. It also provides food, water, and shelter to some 75 million people.
Cocoa farmers face economic hardship, climate change
Seventy percent of the world’s cocoa comes from West Africa, where cocoa cultivation is a way of life reaching back for generations. Most of the cocoa throughout the region is grown by smallholder farmers who struggle not only with economic hardship, but also with the effects of climate change—hotter temperatures, unpredictable rainfall, and a shift in growing seasons.
Our Work
Sustainable agriculture and community forestry are powerful strategies for conserving the abundance of natural resources in West and Central Africa. In addition to our work to conserve the forests of the Congo Basin, we partner with farming communities to build climate-resilient, sustainable agriculture landscapes.
Cocoa Farmers Help Protect Last Primary Rainforest in Côte d’Ivoire
We're helping farmers increase their incomes and conserve a precious ecosystem.... Continue Reading
All resources for West & Central Africa
The Power of Forest Restoration in Ghana’s Sui River Landscape
In Ghana's Sui River region, we empower local communities to combat deforestation and climate change through regenerative agriculture, forest restoration, and sustainable economic practices. ... Continue Reading
Chocolate Prices Have Soared. A New Law Threatens to Keep Them High
The Wall Street Journal spotlights the challenges facing smallholder cocoa farmers in West Africa as the EU Regulation on Deforestation-free Products (EUDR) takes effect. It also highlights the Rainforest Alliance's on-the-ground role in helping these farmers align with the legislation's requirements.
Commentary: Cocoa Prices Skyrocket, But Farmers Left Behind
Cocoa prices have reached record highs due to severe supply shortages globally. The worsening impact of climate change, plant diseases, and socioeconomic challenges faced by cocoa-producing countries have all played a role. Smallholder farmers in West Africa, who supply around 70% of the world's cocoa, bear the brunt of these challenges despite being crucial players in the industry.
Measuring Biodiversity and Carbon Storage in Cameroon’s Community Forests
We have adapted this new tool to monitor both carbon storage and biodiversity in forests, helping forest communities and companies make data-backed decisions about the landscapes they work in.... Continue Reading
Easter egg prices soar as cocoa crops are hit by climate change
Our Director of Global Programs, Kwame Osei, shed light on the impacts of climate change on cocoa farmers in West Africa. In the context of the soaring cocoa prices, he outlined urgent actions needed to address these challenges, underscoring the need for better pricing and supporting farmers in transitioning to sustainable, regenerative agricultural practices.
Can Fish Farming Help Protect the Rainforest of the Congo Basin?
Together, we have begun exploring how more sustainable solutions, like community forestry and fish farming—can help protect the rainforest of the Congo Basin and strengthen livelihoods. ... Continue Reading