Our projects with Felchlin
Since our partnership with Felchlin started, we’ve been united by a shared vision: to empower cocoa farmers by improving their health and livelihoods, and creating a fair and sustainable supply chain. Our joint projects spanning Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America are grounded in the understanding that addressing health – both as interconnected with and as a root cause of other issues like poverty and child labor – can significantly mitigate these challenges and provide an effective solution for change.
Our collaborative efforts have led to the implementation of three projects making a meaningful difference:
- Akwaaba in Ghana’s Eastern Region
- Salud Esmeraldas in Ecuador
- Salud Sur del Lago in Venezuela
Each of these initiatives addresses unique challenges faced by cocoa farmers in their respective regions.
In Ghana, the Akwaaba project has made significant strides in improving healthcare access. As Vida Agyei, a midwife at Aponoapono CHPS Compound, notes, “Previously, farmers struggled to afford certain treatments, but with Elucid’s intervention, accessing healthcare has become easier.” Elucid’s project initiated by Felchlin has facilitated essential surgeries and provided comprehensive health coverage, including national health insurance membership.
Moving to Latin America, the Salud Esmeraldas project in Ecuador has been a lifeline for farmers like Leidy Castillo from Las Antonias. She shares, “The focus on our health is fantastic. The free gynaecologist consultation was exceptional and crucial for preventing future health issues.” This project has been particularly impactful in addressing maternal health needs in remote areas.
In Venezuela, where the public health system has faced significant challenges, our Salud Sur del Lago project has stepped in to fill critical gaps. By partnering with local medical NGOs and professionals, we’ve implemented mobile clinics to deliver medical services directly to underserved communities in the cocoa-growing regions around Lake Maracaibo.
The impact of these projects is profound and far-reaching. In Ghana alone, the Akwaaba project has positively affected the lives and health of 4,261 people in Suhum. Prince Humphrey Larweh Harrison, a cocoa farmer, shares his experience: “About a year ago, I was on the brink of losing my life when I fell ill… Thanks to the Elucid health coverage, I received the essential care and attention that saved my life at Suhum Government Hospital.”
These initiatives not only improve health outcomes but also protect farmers from medical impoverishment. As our research has shown, unexpected medical costs often force farmers to sell land, borrow money, or even resort to child labor to cope with expenses. By addressing these root causes, we’re creating a more stable and sustainable cocoa supply chain.
Looking forward, we aim to expand our solutions to additional supply chains, extending our reach beyond cocoa to include sectors like cashews, artisanal gold mining, and coffee. Our partnership with Felchlin demonstrates the transformative power of collaboration in promoting positive outcomes for farmers and their communities.
Together, we’re not just supporting farmers in the supply chain; we’re actively shaping the future of fair and sustainable cocoa production, one project at a time. With digital technology and data as our allies to ensure compliance and auditable sustainability claims, we’re charting a course towards a more equitable future for all.