As part of its Cocoa for Generations strategy, Mars is partnering across the cocoa supply chain to help create lasting, positive change for farming communities and the environment.
A signatory to the Cocoa & Forests Initiative (CF), Mars is supporting efforts to end deforestation and promote more resilient cocoa ecosystems.
In Ghana’s Nkrankwanta District, Samgoule Babadara - a cocoa farmer partnering with Touton - embodies this vision. With training, resources, and support funded by Mars, he has transformed his two-acre farm into a thriving agroforestry system that not only strengthens climate resilience but also boosts productivity and contributes to forest protection.
Samgoule Babadara is a 45-year-old cocoa farmer in the Nkrankwanta district in Ghana who produces, delivers and sells cocoa to Touton S.A. He has transformed his nearly 2-acre farm into a thriving agroforestry system. With funding from Mars, Touton’s Ghana field team has trained Mr. Babadara in forest protection and advised and supported him in adopting agroforestry and cocoa farming practices which help the cocoa and non-cocoa trees on his farm adapt to the changing climate. Joseph Danso, Sustainability Officer for Touton Ghana shares, “The underlying premise is that when trees or forests are planted or preserved in our farming areas, it provides environmental services for the benefits of the surrounding cocoa farms, water bodies and wider ecosystems.”
According to Samgoule Babadara, “I started to understand and develop agroforestry in 2022. I had trees already on my farm but did not have adequate knowledge of their importance. Based on the advice I received during my Touton training sessions, I decided to plant more trees on my farm. Tree seedlings were provided to us by the company. There are about 5 species, including Ofram and Emire. Now, I have a total of 30 shade trees with approximately 925 cocoa trees on my farm. I have seen a change in the weather pattern. It is unbearably hot; rainfall has reduced and there is not much fresh air like before. This affects the young cocoa plants and pods especially. But the presence of the shade trees has boosted the health and growth of cocoa trees by protecting them from excess heat, by providing shade and mulch (organic fertilizer) thanks to the leaves that fall from the trees.”
Not only has Mr. Babadara witnessed the benefits of maintaining and planting new shade trees, his quick adoption of better management practices on his farm has helped. Thanks to trees’ pruning and thinning, he has seen a boost in cocoa production yield. Mulching from the falling leaves has supported the reduction of soil erosion and improved fertility. He also plays his part in forest protection.
Mr. Babadara also benefits from Payment for Ecosystems Services (PES), a program funded by Mars and specifically developed to provide an extra incentive for cocoa farmers who decide to protect trees or to adopt agroforestry practices.
Mr. Babadara adds: “I have received payment for environmental services twice since joining the program which serves to encourage us to practice agroforestry. This extra money also qualifies as additional income, and I hope to earn more as the years go by. I am looking forward to harvesting more cocoa in the coming years as my farm is healthier. Deforestation is often discussed during our farmer training sessions [provided by Touton]. So, I know about it and how bad it is for our livelihood. I have been taught the numerous benefits of forests: trees provide us with good air and take away the bad air. Without the trees, the impact of harsh weather conditions will be massive, and forests also house and protect our wildlife. I am contributing in my own little way.”
