In the heart of Ghana’s rural countryside, small-scale farmers harvest their crops – products that eventually find their way to our kitchens in the form of cocoa or chocolate. Despite the crucial role these farmers play in our supply chains, their day-to-day is often tinged with uncertainty. For if one of them were to injure themselves while working, or fall sick, access to healthcare may feel leagues away – or push them into poverty.

We aim to change this by implementing healthcare projects in agricultural and mining value chains. By doing so, we improve the health and livelihoods of small-scale producers. To find out the extent of our impact, we asked 60_decibels to conduct an evaluation, speaking to 275 of our beneficiaries in rural Ghana for a detailed impact report.

Making healthcare accessible

Our work is as much about numbers as it is about the people behind them. One of the most striking findings of the report is Elucid’s ability to reach those who are often left behind. In Ghana, where the World Bank defines the poverty line at $3.65 a day, 25% of our beneficiaries live below this threshold, mirroring the national average. However, we go beyond this benchmark, reaching 21% more low-income households than the national average when the poverty line is set at $6.85 a day. This means that those who need it most can really profit.

But reach is only one part of the equation. For 55% of our beneficiaries, the organization’s healthcare services represent their first true access to medical care. This number rises to 57% in rural villages, where the distance to healthcare facilities often means the difference between life and death. This creates a lifeline for farmers wishing to seek care without major obstacles, making it easier to access the care they need.

Quality that matters

Access to healthcare is crucial, but the quality of that care is what truly defines its impact. We are committed to providing access to high-quality care. The 60_decibels report shows that our commitment rings true: 86% of beneficiaries note that the quality of their healthcare has improved. This improvement in quality is reflected in the confidence beneficiaries have in the treatment they receive. An impressive 95% of beneficiaries report increased trust in the accuracy of their prescriptions and the effectiveness of their medication.

But the impact doesn’t stop at receiving better care. The aim is to empower individuals to take charge of their health, improving health literacy. A notable 84% of beneficiaries feel more confident in asking questions about their treatment and accessing information. This empowerment leads to faster treatment times (reported by 65%) and reduces the overall effort required to obtain the necessary care (noted by 70%). Farmers in our program benefit from sustainable improvements to their health literacy, and can make better decisions about their health.

Improved Lives, One Household at a Time

However, most importantly, our work translates into improvements of quality of life for farmers. An overwhelming 93% of beneficiaries report an improvement in their quality of life, with 67% describing these improvements as significant.

These benefits extend beyond the individual to the entire farming household as well. In communities where a typical Elucid beneficiary shares their home with five other members, the impact of healthcare access is far-reaching. Improved quality of life translates into quicker recovery from illnesses (57%), better access to medications (34%), and overall better health for the entire household (35%). This type of impact means farmers can have peace of mind as regards their family’s health and well-being.

To sum it up…

Our mission is clear: to make a sustainable difference in the lives of small-scale producers by improving health and livelihoods in meaningful ways. The results from the 60_decibels report are not just numbers on a page; they are a testament to the power of healthcare in transforming communities.

As we continue our work in Ghana, we remain committed to transparency and accountability. The full 60_decibels report is available for anyone who wants to dive deeper into the data. But whether you’re a data enthusiast or someone who simply wants to see lives improved, one thing is clear: better health is what is making a difference—a difference that is felt in the homes, hearts, and health of those who need it most.