BAWCOF: EMPOWERING WOMEN, ENHANCING LIVELIHOODS

In the heart of Ghana’s cocoa-producing regions, an inspiring transformation is underway. Against the backdrop of sun-drenched cocoa farms and bustling marketplaces, a remarkable story unfolds. It’s a story of over 7000 women cocoa farmers united as BAWCOF, a cooperative federation, who are defying obstacles and paving the way for economic empowerment and sustainability. These women are not just reshaping their own lives but also revolutionizing their communities through their collective determination and action. Their journey embodies the triumph of resilience over adversity and the profound impact of empowering women for the betterment of livelihoods.

The Brong Ahafo Women Cooperative Cocoa Farming and Marketing Central Union Limited (BAWCOF) is a dedicated farmers’ organization working tirelessly to empower women cocoa farmers in the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana. The union comprises of over 7000 members from 103 societies and focuses on enhancing livelihoods through Additional Livelihood (ADL) programs. These programs offer technical assistance in non-cocoa enterprises such as food processing, cosmetics production, and vegetable farming, aiming to diversify income streams and reduce dependence on cocoa revenue.

The Role Of BAWCOF

Through ADL activities, the union has made significant strides in improving the economic and social status of its members. This success is evident in youth engagement in maize projects and the recognition of women cocoa farmers with prestigious awards. The union is committed to achieving excellence in sustainable cocoa production and women’s empowerment. Its goals include expanding training programs, improving market access, and increasing support for members, ultimately working towards a brighter future for women cocoa farmers in the region.

The BAWCOF Women Empowerment Projects

In an interview with Monica Amankwaa, the Dadiesoaba District secretary and a beneficiary of the Union, highlighted the impact of the BAWCOF program on women’s financial independence. She emphasized that the program has equipped women with the skills to generate income even during the off-season, reducing their reliance on the cocoa season. These skills include the production of local foods, liquid soap, and shower gel, which have proven to be valuable additional livelihood sources. Moreover, the BAWCOF initiative has played a crucial role in educating women about child labor laws, and advocating against children working during school hours and beyond their physical capacity. Women have also been trained to recognize and reject forced labor practices.

Monica shared her transformation, noting that before her involvement with BAWCOF, she believed that only men could engage in cocoa trading. However, the training she received changed her perspective, enabling her to participate in cocoa trading for the past three years and even support others by providing financial assistance. The access to loans facilitated by BAWCOF has allowed women to invest in their children’s education and meet other essential needs.

Furthermore, BAWCOF has actively raised awareness about land ownership and registration, ensuring the protection of women’s land rights. The organization has formed partnerships with NGOs to provide education and training opportunities. Because of these efforts, its members have received widespread recognition, including the prestigious 2023/2024 Best Farmer in Ghana award.

Through BAWCOF, women have gained access to leadership training and valuable connections, including educational opportunities provided by Cocobod. Notably, members like Martha and Faustina have attained international recognition, with Martha participating in training sessions in South Africa on two separate occasions.

The Driving Force Behind BAWCOFF

Meet Faustina Aberor, the Deputy Technical Manager for Cocobod in the Eastern region and the driving force behind BAWCOF in Ghana. BAWCOF, which stands for Brong Ahafo Women Cooperative Cocoa Farming and Marketing Central Union, was established with the core objective of empowering and promoting women’s entrepreneurship. This initiative goes beyond cocoa farming to include other income-generating activities, enabling women to contribute significantly to their households. Faustina Aberor has been instrumental in steering BAWCOFF to a remarkable growth. These societies consist of 10 cooperatives each, uniting under the regional umbrella of BAWCOF. By championing women’s empowerment, BAWCOF addresses the broader societal dynamics, allowing women to not only thrive as entrepreneurs but also play a pivotal role within their families.

Faustina is keen to emphasize that BAWCOF’s aim is not to create division or compete with men, but rather to create a supportive environment where women can effectively contribute to their households and communities. This approach helps ease the economic pressure on men while fostering collaboration and mutual support within families.

Contributions And Impact On Cocoa Value Chain

Monica Addai, a beneficiary from the Techiman district shared her insights: “Through BAWCOF, we’ve learned to properly care for cocoa, from tree to end product. This ensures that when our cocoa is exported, it meets international standards, and Ghana’s cocoa is recognized as the best.” She highlighted the impact on SDGs 1 (No Poverty), 5 (Gender Equality), 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). Additionally, BAWCOF’s work contributes to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by improving agricultural practices, SDG 4 (Quality Education) through training and capacity building, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by fostering collaborations with Cocobod and other industries.

The Transformational Impact of The Union

Martha Addai the BAWCOF president described the transformational impact of BAWCOF, highlighting the profound changes experienced by the cooperative. She emphasized the newfound appreciation for unity and empowerment, citing the recognition from Cocobod and an increased focus on health and nutrition as pivotal milestones. The cooperative’s diversification into products such as pepper, ginger, shower gel, and honey not only generated additional income during off-seasons but also illustrated their adaptability and forward-thinking approach.

Martha’s journey within BAWCOF, from being an award winner in 2016 to her current role as an advocate for active participation, underscores the transformative power of the cooperative. Her revelation about previously unrecognized opportunities, such as awards, and the subsequent victory of a fellow member in the overall best award from Cocobod in 2023 challenged preconceptions and ignited a sense of empowerment among the women in the community. This achievement not only fostered excitement and motivation but also led to several women receiving district-level awards, further solidifying the tangible benefits of joining BAWCOF.

The cooperative’s expansion of support networks through collaborations with NGOs has been equally impactful. The partnership with Vice Versa Media Ghana has provided invaluable assistance at no cost, demonstrating a shared commitment to progress and community development. Furthermore, the comprehensive training offered by NGO Salidalidard has effectively honed the skills of BAWCOF members and youth, empowering them to contribute meaningfully to the community. The establishment of a multi-service center in the Dadiesoaba district by Proforest has substantially improved access to resources and markets, thereby enhancing the livelihoods of the cooperative’s members. Additionally, the provision of essential medicine for their cocoa trees by Cocobod further underscores the holistic support provided to the women members of the cooperative.

Future Plans And Recommendations

Selina Agyekum, a dedicated youth member and Assistant Secretary for the Nkrankwanta circuit, enthusiastically shared her in-depth insights on the ambitious plans and recommendations for BAWCOF. “Our ultimate goal at BAWCOF is to establish local centers in all districts. These centers will serve as a network of hubs, enabling us to store and sell our diverse range of products within our respective communities instead of being reliant on a single location. As part of our endeavor to enhance financial independence, we are aiming to set up a credit facility within BAWCOF.  This will allow us to access loans and funds for our programs without solely depending on government loans, thereby promoting self-sufficiency and sustainability.”

She further articulated, “One of our aspirations is to designate an entire week for promoting our program, culminating in a celebratory day. This extended period of focus will significantly contribute to raising awareness about our work and attracting more individuals to join us in our endeavors. Additionally, we are keen on expanding our training programs, particularly in the area of additional livelihoods, to reach and benefit more women globally. Personally, I have experienced the profound impact of BAWCOF’s training. I once faced financial struggles during the off-season; however, thanks to the additional livelihood skills I’ve acquired through BAWCOF, I am now self-sufficient.”

Selina wholeheartedly recommends that BAWCOF continues to empower more women through comprehensive training programs, promoting independence and bolstering economic stability.

Conclusion

The inspiring narrative of BAWCOF demonstrates the remarkable impact of collective action and the unwavering determination of women who refuse to be sidelined. Through their perseverance and strength, the women of BAWCOF are not only enhancing their own economic circumstances but also uplifting the entire cocoa industry. Their accomplishments serve as a poignant reminder that economic empowerment is an essential human right, and by championing women, we can cultivate a more just and sustainable world. The journey of BAWCOF stands as a symbol of hope, motivating us to persist in advocating for the rights and opportunities of women worldwide.