“Who are these People?”

Over a century, Africa’s farmers have annually produced about 70% of the world’s cocoa beans.

Now, the continent is also home to chocolate makers and entrepreneurs crafting diverse cocoa products for a global audience.

BUT, who are these people?
What drives them? How does cocoa shape their lives? How do they shape the cocoa industry? What are their challenges? And what does the future hold for them?

Since September 2020, when I first worked with Dr Kristy Leissle as field research assistant, I've also had these questions. African Cocoa Stories is the result of my quest to find answers. Not just for myself, but also for you who are curious to meet the souls at the source of cocoa.

My VISION is for this blog to be a place for you to see and hear for yourself the people and culture powering the cocoa industry.

As you read these stories, you develop a better understanding of the realities of cocoa production in Africa.
Thank you for reading this. I look forward to your feedback and questions.

Warmly,
Benjamin Setor Gbadago
Storyteller