Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) in Ghana
Charles Mfoafo Tetteh, from Koben in the Ashanti region of Ghana, owns four cocoa farms totalling 5.6 ha and a palm oil plantation. He had seen first-hand the environmental degradation affecting his region, with deforestation, climate change and soil erosion threatening the local ecosystem. After retiring from teaching, cocoa farming has been his main source of income, but the challenges of climate change and deforestation prompted him to explore more sustainable approaches.
When ETG | Beyond Beans introduced agroforestry and Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) activities, Charles decided to embark on a journey of cocoa agroforestry in response to the evolving challenges facing cocoa production.
The PES system pays farmers a fix fee per tree at planting and for each of the first three years of survival, after which is more likely to survive in the long term. Charles attended all the training sessions organised by the Agroforestry and Environment (A&E) team at ETG | Beyond Beans, he said: “The training taught me about how to enhance the resilience of cocoa plants amidst changing weather patterns and how I can contribute to environmental conservation and biodiversity.”
After being trained, Charles implemented a diversified planting strategy by introducing shade trees and fruit trees alongside his cocoa trees. He has already received 150 tree seedlings which he has planted on his four cocoa farms and is ready to take more in the coming year.
Charles is already excited about the results of planting the trees. He says the young trees are growing quickly, and some have already started providing shade for his young cocoa trees. This has not only improved the microclimatic conditions on his plots but also given him a sense of fulfilment as he is contributing to the goal of preserving the local ecosystem.
Nitrogen-fixing trees contributed to soil fertility, and the decomposition of organic matter enriched the soil, creating an optimal environment for the cocoa plants. Inspired by the improvements so far, he aims to share his experience with fellow farmers, fostering a community dedicated to sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices.
The payment he received for the ecosystem services he provided was the first time he and his peers had received payment for planting trees to protect their farms from adverse weather conditions. He used the money to purchase new Wellington boots and cutlasses.
Reflecting on the second year of cocoa agroforestry, he is inspired by the positive changes he has observed on his farm and hopes to continue on this journey towards more sustainable cocoa.
