In Ghana’s Eastern Region, more than 4,000 cocoa farmers are rewriting their story of resilience and prosperity through the Akim Oda Co-operative Cocoa Farming and Marketing Union.
Founded in 2019, the Union brought together 25 primary cooperatives with one goal: to optimize wealth creation for its members. But challenges stood in the way, limited understanding of cooperatives as businesses, over-dependence on external support, weak financial management, and heavy reliance on cocoa as the only source of income.
That’s where Agriterra stepped in through the Farmer-Focused Transformation Programme (2023–2025). Together, we worked with the Union to strengthen farmer ownership and stimulate sustainable growth.
Building a Stronger Future
Through training sessions, advisory support, and capitalization strategies, the Union developed a bold three-year strategic business plan. Feasibility studies paved the way for something transformative: the establishment of a Farmer Service Center.
With Agriterra’s support, capital for infrastructure design, access to inputs, and reliable market linkages, the Union is now able to provide affordable farm inputs and services not only to its members but also to the wider farming community.
The Impact So Far
The impact of the programme is already visible: farmers now have access to affordable and reliable inputs, the Union has diversified its income streams while strengthening its governance, and the wider community benefits from improved access to agrochemicals and farm services.
A Voice from the Union
“If Agriterra had not supported us, we would not be here as a cooperative. We did not understand cooperatives as a business. We thought it was just a government demand in order to receive freebies. But with Agriterra’s guidance and training, we have been empowered to take ownership.”  Mr. Samuel Duku, President of the Union
The story of the Akim Oda Cooperative Union shows the power of partnership, ownership, and diversification. It’s proof that when farmers unite, supported by the right knowledge and tools, they can sow the seeds of change today and thrive tomorrow.
Together we grow.
