A small group of cocoa farmers in Ghana, West Africa, decided that by working together they could improve their lives. They realised that they could get a better price for their cocoa by selling together rather than as individuals.
So in 1993 the group shared their resources and set up 'Kuapa Kokoo’ which means 'good cocoa farmers' in their local language of Twi. Kuapa Kokoo is a co-operative business which means it is owned and run by its members, in this case cocoa farmers. There are lots of benefits to being a member.
Working together as a co-operative, cocoa farmers have more negotiating power with the big chocolate companies who are always trying to lower the price they pay for cocoa beans.This gives individuals more strength in the world market.Cocoa farmers can also sell at a higher price to improve the lives of each family and the community as a whole.
Comic Relief has supported Kuapa Kokoo's business development so that even more cocoa farmers can have the chance of a brighter future. Kuapa Kokoo has grown from 2000 farmers in 200 villages to over 65 000 farmers in over 1600 villages!
PA PA PAA
The motto of Kuapa Kokoo is “Pa Pa Paa” which means “the best of the best”. Ghana is famous for producing high quality cocoa beans, and Kuapa Kokoo produces the best of Ghanaian cocoa beans!
