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West & Central Africa

Expansive forests, vital rural economies

What's at Stake

West and Central Africa have strong rural economies set within some of the world's largest forest expanses. The Congo Basin spans eight countries, contains the world's second largest contiguous forest, and boasts abundant biodiversity and natural resources. It also provides food, water, and shelter to some 75 million people.

Cocoa farmers face economic hardship, climate change

Seventy percent of the world’s cocoa comes from West Africa, where cocoa cultivation is a way of life reaching back for generations. Most of the cocoa throughout the region is grown by smallholder farmers who struggle not only with economic hardship, but also with the effects of climate change—hotter temperatures, unpredictable rainfall, and a shift in growing seasons.

Our Work


Sustainable agriculture and community forestry are powerful strategies for conserving the abundance of natural resources in West and Central Africa. In addition to our work to conserve the forests of the Congo Basin, we partner with farming communities to build climate-resilient, sustainable agriculture landscapes.

Article

Addressing Challenges in West African Cocoa Farming

Our West Africa Director talks about the ongoing challenges in the cocoa sector.... Continue Reading
Learn More
Article

Community Forestry Combats Urgent Threats in Cameroon

A promising alternative has begun to emerge: the devolution of forest management to local communities... Continue Reading
Learn More
farmer holding opened cocoa pod
Article

Strengthening Transparency in West Africa’s Cocoa Supply Chain

Collaboration is key to affecting change that will improve the lives of cocoa farmers and their families.... Continue Reading
Learn More
cocoa pods hanging from the tree
Article

Cocoa Farmers Help Protect Last Primary Rainforest in Côte d’Ivoire

We're helping farmers increase their incomes and conserve a precious ecosystem.... Continue Reading
Learn More

All resources for West & Central Africa


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Rainforest Alliance Certified Cocoa

We work with almost one million cocoa farmers to build thriving livelihoods and climate resilience through certification and training.[Read more...]

Published on March 21, 2022

Topics: CocoaInsights

Ghana News Agency
Media Coverage

Project to tackle child labour in cocoa and gold mining sectors launched

Published on September 30, 2021 | Ghana News Agency

The Rainforest Alliance has launched a project to tackle forced and child labour in the cocoa and gold mining sectors of Ghana.

Topics: CocoaGhana

Case Study

Identifying Your Pathway Towards Sustainability: Our Work with Nestlé Cocoa

As one of the world’s largest purchasers of cocoa, Nestlé recognizes the position it is in to make a difference. This case study shows how Nestlé utilizes all three major Rainforest Alliance
View: Identifying Your Pathway Towards Sustainability: Our Work with Nestlé Cocoa

Published on September 23, 2021
Available in: English

Topics: CocoaCôte d’IvoireGhanaTailored Supply Chain Services

Protecting Biodiversity and Livelihoods in Cameroon

Our work in this region lends support for community forest enterprises as they plan sustainable forest management activities, utilize best forestry practices, boost their business skills, and engage in strategies for value-added processing and penetrating premium markets for timber and other forest products.[Read more...]

Published on July 13, 2021

Topics: CameroonCongo BasinIn the FieldWildlife

Impact Study

Tackling the Root Causes of Child Labor: Insights from the Child Labor Free Zone Program in West Nile, Uganda

Between 2014 and 2020 a consortium of organizations, including Rainforest Alliance, implemented a “Child Labor Free Zone” (CLFZ) program in the West Nile province of Uganda. This is a coffee growing
View: Tackling the Root Causes of Child Labor: Insights from the Child Labor Free Zone Program in West Nile, Uganda

Published on June 25, 2021
Available in: English

Topics: CoffeeInsights

LEAN Ghana project launch - header

Project Profile: Landscapes and Environmental Agility across the Nation (LEAN)

LEAN aims to conserve biodiversity, build climate resilience, and reduce emissions from land-use changes.[Read more...]

Published on May 24, 2021

Topics: CocoaGhanaIn the FieldIntegrated Landscape Management

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