Cocoa farmers welcome field schools

Several cocoa farmers in Bong County have commended ACDI/VOCA for the introduction of cocoa farmers’ field schools in the county.The cocoa farmer field school teaches the importance of cocoa farming, including planting season, and how to carter to farms, amongst others.

They made the commendation over the weekend during a field visit by ACDI/VOCA deputy chief of party Augustine Lavelah. During the visit, the farmers said they now understand the essence of cocoa farming and praised the organization for the farmer field schools across the county.

Mr. Lavela told our Bong County correspondent after the visit his institution will continue to ensure cocoa farmers get the requisite skills to carry out their farm work. He promised to train farmers from the stage of production to post-harvest, to make sure their yields and quality are increased.

He said cocoa farming is a money generating initiative and urged farmers to take it seriously. The visit also saw the certification of the Kwapageh farmers association as a cooperative by the Cooperative Development Agency (CDA).

CDA deputy registrar general Eric Vincent said the ACDI/VOCA supported group has met all requirements to be certificated as a cooperative.  Mr. Vincent pledged CDA’s support to the group and encouraged them to work as a team.

He added that despite financial constraint, the agency will continue to work to find opportunities for cooperatives across the country.

By Papa Morris