As part of the Cocoa & Forests Initiative, General Mills supports sustainable cocoa production by advancing agroforestry, forest restoration and traceability.
Now in its seventh year as a CFI signatory, General Mills shares its progress toward eliminating deforestation, strengthening cocoa-growing communities and building more resilient landscapes. One of the stories that brings this work to life is that of Isha Amankwa, who has benefited from training and gender-focused programs through the Cocoa Sustainability Initiative (CSI) with CARE. Her experience illustrates how adopting good agricultural practices and participating in community-led efforts can improve productivity, support women’s empowerment, and help protect land for future generations.
Isha Amankwa is a cocoa farmer in Ghana, a member of her local Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) in her local Wansabiampa village, and mother of three children. At 46 years old, she manages a diverse agricultural portfolio, cultivating a 3.5-acre cocoa farm alongside vegetables, plantains, oranges, and coconuts.
Through the CARE and General Mills Cocoa Sustainability Initiative (CSI) program, Isha has received extensive training in Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs)—equipping her with the skills needed to improve farm productivity and resilience. This support has helped her refine her farming techniques, allowing her to maximize yields and adopt more sustainable practices in her farming career.
In 2024, during the National Farmers’ Day celebration in the Asikuma-Odoben-Brakwa district, Isha was recognized with the Best Female Farmer award as a testament to her dedication and the impact of the training programs she participated in.
"The size of my farm alone wouldn’t have earned me such a prestigious award without the adoption of the right techniques and practices," Isha shared. She attributes her success to the knowledge gained from various training programs on raising cocoa nurseries, pruning, farm sanitation, providing adequate shade, and applying recommended agro-inputs.
Beyond enhancing her farming techniques, the initiative’s focus on gender inclusion played a crucial role in her journey.
“I once believed that awards like this were only for men, not women. But today, I stand here honored as a woman, thanks to the support and facilitation from the CARE team in promoting gender equality,” she said.
Isha’s story is a powerful testament to the transformative impact of training, education, and gender empowerment in agriculture. Through the CARE General Mills Cocoa Sustainability Initiative (CSI) program, she has not only elevated her farming career but also challenged traditional gender norms, paving the way for more women to succeed in Ghana’s agricultural sector.
Read General Mills' full 2023-2024 Progress Report on CFI here.
