Boost for cocoa farmers
Nelson Thoa pointing to some of his cocoa beans dried inside his new solar dryer funded by ADRA.
Solomon Islands farmers are having their lives transformed by cocoa drying shelters funded by the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA).
The Solar Cocoa Dryer is a clear, corrugated, solar-powered facility that assists with the drying out of cocoa beans. It is part of the ADRA Cocoa Livelihood Project funded by the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) in the Solomon Islands, which aims to improve the lives of cocoa farmers and their families. It provides farmers with the knowledge on how to dry cocoa beans and equips them with new-found skills in cocoa fermentation and quality control.
Nelson Thoa, a dedicated cocoa farmer in Geza and recipient of the cocoa solar dryer, has been collaborating with ADRA Solomon Islands for nearly a year, actively participating in the cocoa project.
Mr Thoa expressed his happiness as the ADRA Cocoa Livelihood Team paid a visit to his drying shelter at Geza Village recently.
Barnabas Tiva, 72, is the oldest recipient of the drying shelter, which has allowed him to meet the needs of his own family while also extending support to other families by purchasing wet beans from them.
“I am grateful to ADRA Solomon Islands for this marvellous initiative that has significantly transformed the lives of my family and community,” he said. “Previously, I was exposed to rain while drying my cocoa beans, but now I can safely dry them inside this sun dryer building, which has been a tremendous help, especially at my age.
“Thank you ADRA Australia and ADRA Solomon Islands for the project that has positively impacted the lives of my people in Geza.”
— Denver Newter
