Solidaridad West Africa and Tropenbos Ghana have provided revolving funds to selected Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) under the World Bank-funded Enhancing Access to Benefits while Lowering Emissions (EnABLE) Programme to improve livelihoods and strengthen forest conservation efforts in cocoa-growing communities.
The initiative is designed to support vulnerable groups, including women, youth, migrants and persons with disabilities, who often face challenges in accessing carbon and non-carbon benefits from climate interventions despite their contributions to sustainable cocoa production and forest management.
At separate ceremonies held for six Hotspot Intervention Areas (HIAs) in Ahafo Ano South East in the Ashanti Region and Asutifi-Asunafo in the Ahafo Region, Mr Alfred Fosu, Programme Manager at Solidaridad West Africa, presented cheques valued at $10,000 to beneficiary VSLAs.
He explained that the EnABLE Programme was established to promote equitable access to benefits generated through emission reduction payments under the Ghana Cocoa Forest REDD+ Programme (GCFRP).
According to him, the programme directly engages about 20,000 farmers in 100 cocoa-growing communities across the Ahafo, Ashanti, Central, Eastern and Western North regions.
Mr Fosu said the programme complements the GCFRP launched in 2016 by focusing on groups that have traditionally been excluded from climate-related benefit-sharing arrangements.
He said the programme is implemented through three key components: improving knowledge on REDD+ and benefit-sharing mechanisms, promoting locally driven climate-resilient livelihood opportunities, and strengthening programme management and knowledge sharing.
He noted that the revolving fund was introduced to strengthen community financial systems, expand access to credit and improve the economic resilience of beneficiary groups.
Mr Fosu disclosed that 18 Village Savings and Loan Associations across the six Hotspot Intervention Areas were selected following a rigorous profiling process to receive support under the initiative.
He added that beneficiaries had also undergone training in financial management, leadership, record keeping and loan administration to ensure effective management of the revolving funds.
He stressed that the funds should not be regarded as grants but as community-owned resources that must be managed responsibly to ensure their sustainability.
“The EnABLE Programme recognises that sustainable development and environmental conservation are linked to improved livelihoods, and by strengthening local financial systems, we contribute to economic growth, social inclusion and environmental sustainability,” he said.
Mr Fosu assured beneficiaries that the implementing organisations would continue to provide technical support and monitor the utilisation of the funds to ensure the programme achieved its intended objectives.
Mr Emmanuel Anim Brow, Goaso Forest District Manager, said improving access to finance for rural communities would help reduce activities that threaten forest resources, including illegal farming, illegal chainsaw operations and illegal mining.
He said supporting community members to expand their businesses offered a sustainable alternative source of income while reducing dependence on forest exploitation.
Mr Brow commended the collaboration between the EnABLE Programme, its implementing partners and the Forest Commission, describing it as critical to protecting Ghana’s forest estate for future generations.
Some beneficiaries expressed appreciation to the implementing organisations for recognising vulnerable groups in cocoa-growing communities and pledged to use the revolving funds responsibly.
They said the support would enable them to strengthen their livelihoods while contributing to efforts to conserve forests and sustain the programme’s long-term impact.
