I decided to join the Gnandi CODEC in 2014, because I realized that to create change in a community, its members need to get involved. We are the ones who are living here and experiencing the problems. We know the constraints and the solutions that can improve our lives
Our CODEC is comprised of 15 cocoa producers, both men and women, from eight local villages. With the support of Cocoa Life, our CODEC developed a comprehensive community action plan that identifies our priority needs. We are currently working to solve these problems with community-based projects using local resources. For example, we are establishing tree nurseries to restore degraded community forests and produce firewood.
As part of the Cocoa Life project, I received training in different topics, such as good agricultural practices and community development. These lessons have opened my eyes and changed my mind-set.
In the training, I learned the importance of saving, budgeting, and planning ahead.