Cool canopies: providing shade for cocoa trees to thrive
Did you now that cocoa trees require some quite specific conditions to grow and thrive? Too much direct sunlight, strong winds, or excessive rainfall can have a big impact on the trees, reducing their productivity and lifespan. At Whittaker’s, we know that great chocolate starts with great cocoa, so we have been busy in Ghana supporting local farmers to make their cocoa trees as resilient as possible.
One of the ways we’re doing this is by planting shade trees on the cocoa farms we source from. Like an umbrella on a hot summer’s day, the trees we are planting provide shade to cocoa trees so they are protected from the elements.
In 2024, we planted 70,000 shade trees across 1,000 hectares of land in two key districts that we source cocoa beans from – Assin Fosu and Asankrangwa.
Why shade trees matter for cocoa farming
By planting taller trees on cocoa farms, we are able to create a natural protective canopy, which has several benefits:
- Protection from harsh weather: Shade trees help shield cocoa plants from direct sun, strong winds, and heavy rain, ensuring more stable growing conditions
- Reduced impact from drought: Shade trees help preventing the soil from drying out, which is essential for healthy cocoa growth
- Healthier soil: The leaves from shade trees add organic matter to the soil, improving fertility and reducing the risk of erosion
- Extended lifespan of precious cocoa trees: Typically, cocoa trees live for about 25 years, but with the protection of shade trees, their lifespan can be extended to between 40 and 45 years
- Better yields and quality: With improved growing conditions, cocoa trees produce better-quality beans, benefiting both farmers and our chocolate lovers
Historically, cocoa has been grown under shade in Ghana. However, over the years, cocoa farming practices on some farms have changed to a more mono-culture style, leaving cocoa farms highly vulnerable to climate-related events such as drought. There is now a growing consensus that cocoa should be grown under shade once again, and we are fully behind this,” says Michael Tannenbaum, Whittaker’s Head of Procurement.
Empowering local communities
The shade tree planting has been carried out by teams in Ghana, consisting of individuals who were either looking for work or eager to learn a new skill. By involving these groups in the project, we are not only supporting cocoa farming but also creating valuable employment and training opportunities for local communities.
We have been working alongside Agro Eco, our partners on the ground in Ghana, to build these planting teams.
Training and support for farmers
Ensuring that the shade trees thrive requires ongoing care and maintenance. So, as part of the planting programme, Agro Eco has been educating the project team on looking after shade trees as they grow. By equipping farmers with the necessary knowledge and skills, we can help maintain the long-term health of the shade trees.
The trees typically take between one to five years to start providing adequate shade. In this time, they are closely monitored by the project group.
Whittaker’s Chief Operating Officer, Matt Whittaker says the shade tree initiative is part of Whittaker’s broader commitment to ethical sourcing and supporting our cocoa farming cooperatives in Ghana
“We strive to do what we do in a good, honest way. As part of this, we are committed to making a positive impact on the environment and in communities that we work with. This involves actively work alongside cocoa cooperatives in Ghana to enhance the farming environment, ensuring it remains productive and resilient for generations to come,” says Matt.
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