Held the art class

We held an art class for 30 elementary and junior high school students in Thurman village in western Ghana, where we had visited before. We had the students draw pictures on the theme of cocoa, which was popular not only with them but also with adults such as teachers, parents, and other adults. Students who drew excellent works were given drawing paper and crayons as prizes.

• 

  Use crayons and watercolors

• 

Donation of cutlass

We visited Konkunso Village and donated a cutlass to a farmer. Cutlass is widely used in Africa and Latin America. It was a convenient tool that is indispensable for farm work, such as weeding, harvesting, and pruning, and it was very much appreciated.

• 

  Donation ceremony of cutlass

• 

Attendance at the 34th National Farmers Day

This year, the festival was held in Tamare, a city in northern Ghana, and was attended by several thousand delegates, including the President and relevant ministers. This was the third time we attended the event, and as in the past, we presented young cocoa farmers with a trycycle and chocolate.

• 

  Held in front of soccer stadium

• 

  The winner, a cocoa Farmer (left)

Opening of seedling center

This year, we opened a new seedling center in six locations. Seedlings have grown steadily and will be distributed to neighboring farmers in the spring of 2019.

• 

  Growing steadily

• 

Operation of Meiji demonstration farms

Testing results show that pruning reduces pest damage and increases the yield by a fixed amount.
In addition to sharing the findings with farmers around this farm, we also train them on crop cultivation other than cocoa, pest control, and appropriate use of pesticides.

• 

  Scene of a farm

• 

Reunion with best farmer

We visited the farms of young farmers that were awarded at the National Farmers' Day in 2017. The farm was very well maintained, and it was very productive. He is also a leader of the local cocoa farmers.

• 

  Best farmer (Second from right)

• 

  Donated trycycle in 2017

Held hand-made chocolate class

We visited the village of Anina Billim, located in the area where we purchase our cocoa bean, and offered handmade chocolate class for junior high school students. This is an event to use locally harvested cocoa to make chocolate. Roast cocoa with charcoal and frying pans, then remove the skin, and add sugar, powdered milk, and cocoa butter to the crushed fruit. Furthermore, they are crushed, drafted, poured into molds, cooled, and finished. Not only the children but also the school teachers were interested, and we ate the finished chocolate together.

• 

  Roasted cocoa

• 

  Completed chocolate

Distribution of seedling

We distributed seedling, which we had raised carefully, to nearby farmers. Farmers take home seedling and replant them on their own farms. It will take several years for cocoa fruit to be harvested.

• 

  Farmers receiving seedlings

• 

Donation of pruning equipment

We also donated pruning equipment to 10 new farmers and research institutes (INIAP). INIAP is a national agricultural research institute. They conduct a wide range of studies on cocoa, and they also own an extensive cocoa plantations.

• 

  Test farm in INIAP

• 

  Donation of pruning equipment to 10 farmers

Donation of cocoa fermentation boxes

Cocoa Agricultural Equipment Bank, which was installed in 2017, has been very popular and will continue to operate in the future. In addition, in 2018 we donated cocoa fermentation boxes to ensure the stable manufacture of high-quality cocoa.

• 

  Distribution of cocoa fermentation boxes

• 

  Cocoa fermentation boxes with Meiji logo

Distribution of seedling and establishment of new seedling centers

This year, we continued to nurture seedling in existing seedbeds and distribute it to neighboring farmers. We also established a new seedling center. We plan to distribute seedling to neighboring farmers in about half a year.

• 

  Traditional seedling center

• 

  New seedling center under preparation

Distribution of fertilizers through Tome-Azu agricultural cooperative

Tome-Azu agricultural cooperative distributed well-received fertilizers this year as well.

• 

  Cocoa farmer (right) and fertilizers distributed

• 

  Agroforestry plantation

Donation of school equipment and medical equipment

We donated desks, chairs, and other equipment and school supplies to two elementary schools. We also donated various medical equipment to local medical centers. Cocoa farms accounts for 70% of this region, and it is a healthcare center relied on by cocoa farmers.

• 

  Donated school equipment and school supplies to two elementary schools

• 

  Donation of medical equipment and other items to hospitals