Rights & Advocacy Initiatives Network

Rights & Advocacy Initiatives Network Rights and Advocacy Initiatives Network (RAIN), is a non-governmental, not-for-profit organization registered under the laws of Ghana with number CG 127702019.

The organization was founded in 2019 by experts with background in natural resource management,

Strengthening livelihoods while restoring forests 🌱Last week, Team RAIN, under the Project, successfully organised a h...
18/05/2026

Strengthening livelihoods while restoring forests 🌱

Last week, Team RAIN, under the Project, successfully organised a hands-on ginger production training for Modified Taungya System (MTS) farmers restoring portions of degraded lands within the Dome River Forest Reserve at Bomiresu in the Ashanti Region.

The training equipped 9 farmers (3 women and 6 men) with practical knowledge and skills in ginger cultivation, including planting material preparation, planting techniques, crop management, watering practices, and identification of common pests and diseases.

Farmers also gained insight into the economic potential of ginger production, with discussions highlighting its increasing market value as an alternative livelihood opportunity that complements sustainable forest management and forest restoration efforts.

This initiative forms part of RAIN’s broader commitment to promoting climate-resilient livelihoods for forest-dependent communities while advancing sustainable land use practices.
We appreciate the active participation of the farmers and the technical support provided by facilitator Mr. Micheal Kofi Anokye.

Strengthening Cocoa Farmers’ Readiness for European Union Deforestation Regulation ( )The journey toward sustainable coc...
13/05/2026

Strengthening Cocoa Farmers’ Readiness for European Union Deforestation Regulation ( )

The journey toward sustainable cocoa production requires not only good farming practices but also with evolving international standards.

Across beneficiary communities, the Deforestation-Free Cocoa Project recently organised training sessions on the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) to prepare cocoa farmers for this new framework.

During the training, participants were guided through:

• Understanding the EUDR and its implications for cocoa exports
• Traceability requirements for cocoa supply chains
• Compliance responsibilities at the farm level
• Sustainable land use practices aligned with deforestationfree principles
• Farmer rights and support mechanisms

The sessions provided farmers with practical knowledge on how to meet EUDR standards, ensuring that Ghana’s cocoa remains competitive in international markets while protecting forests and livelihoods.

One farmer reflected: “This training has opened my eyes to how global regulations affect us directly. I now understand what is required to keep my cocoa farm compliant and sustainable.” - Tawiah Esther, Sefwi Bonwire.

By equipping farmers with the tools to adapt to international regulations, the project reinforces its commitment to promoting a resilient, deforestationfree cocoa sector that benefits both communities and the environment.

The Deforestation-Free Cocoa Project is implemented by Solidaridad West Africa, Tropenbos Ghana, Rights and Advocacy Initiative Network and TaylorCrabbe Initiative with funding from the European Union.

European Union in Ghana

Imagine a cocoa sector where every bean is traceable, sustainable, and forest-friendly.That’s the vision of the Deforest...
13/05/2026

Imagine a cocoa sector where every bean is traceable, sustainable, and forest-friendly.

That’s the vision of the Deforestation-Free Cocoa Project, funded by the European Union.

By working with , , agencies, and leaders, the project will strengthen compliance with environmental laws and the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).

The results will be clear: stronger governance, sustainable livelihoods and protected forests.

Ghana is taking bold steps toward a cocoa industry that thrives without destroying its natural forests.

The Deforestation-Free Cocoa Project is implemented by Solidaridad West Africa, Tropenbos Ghana, Rights and Advocacy Initiatives Network and TaylorCrabbe Initiative with funding from the .

Building a Deforestation-Free Cocoa Future in Ghana Ghana is taking a decisive step toward securing the future of its c...
12/05/2026

Building a Deforestation-Free Cocoa Future in Ghana

Ghana is taking a decisive step toward securing the future of its cocoa sector and the forests that sustain it. Across the Asutifi-Asunafo, Sefwi-Wiawso-Bibiani, and Juaboso-Bia Hotspot Intervention Areas, the Deforestation-Free Cocoa project (DFC) is supporting smallholder cocoa farmers to transition to deforestation-free production.

This shift comes at a critical time, as global market requirements tighten under frameworks like the EU Deforestation Regulation, which demand traceability and proof that commodities such as cocoa are not linked to forest loss.
For a country like Ghana, one of the world’s leading cocoa producers, the stakes are high. Cocoa is not just an export commodity; it is a livelihood for millions of Ghanaians.

Expansion of farms has historically contributed to forest degradation, threatening biodiversity, climate stability, and long-term productivity.
The Deforestation-free cocoa project is changing that narrative.

Through farmer education on climate-smart agriculture cocoa agroforestry practices, amongst others, smallholders will be able to improve yields while preserving tree cover.

These interventions are also strengthening Ghana’s ability to meet international standards, maintain market access, and attract premium buyers who value sustainable sourcing. Beyond compliance, the benefits are tangible: healthier soils, increased resilience to climate change, reduced land-use conflicts, and more secure incomes for farmers.

The journey toward deforestation-free cocoa is not without challenges, but it represents a necessary and strategic investment in the future of Ghana’s cocoa, forests, and people.

The Deforestation-Free Cocoa project is implemented by Solidaridad West Africa, Tropenbos Ghana, Taylor Crabbe Initiative, and Rights and Advocacy Initiatives Network with funding from the European Union.

🌱 Peer‑to‑Peer Learning in Action! The Ghana Cocoa Belt landscape now takes center stage. We’re excited to take part in...
12/05/2026

🌱 Peer‑to‑Peer Learning in Action!

The Ghana Cocoa Belt landscape now takes center stage. We’re excited to take part in this peer‑learning workshop alongside fellow from Ghana- members of TerraFund’s third cohort.

At Rights & Advocacy Initiatives Network, we believe that experience sharing, mentoring, and collective problem‑solving in the field are essential for the success of locally led land restoration. This week in Kumasi, we’re thrilled to exchange insights, learn from peers, and strengthen collaboration across landscapes.

👉🏿 Explore TerraFund’s journey since 2021 and meet the new cohort: https://bit.ly/41z4suX

Communities Validate the Data Behind Deforestation-Free Cocoa- What happens when you put maps in the hands of the people...
11/05/2026

Communities Validate the Data Behind Deforestation-Free Cocoa-

What happens when you put maps in the hands of the people who live the reality?

At a validation workshop in Bibiani, participants from the Asunafo-Asutifi, Sefwi-Wiawso-Bibiani, and Juaboso-Bia Hotspot Intervention Areas didn’t just observe; they challenged, corrected, and improved land-use maps that tracked deforestation from 2015 to 2024.

Farmers pointed out where cocoa has replaced degraded lands. Others highlighted hidden mining and sand winning activities not captured by satellite data.

This is what real participation looks like: combining technology with lived experience. The Deforestation-Free Cocoa (DFC) Project is ensuring that data reflects reality.

The Deforestation-Free Cocoa project is implemented with funding from the

European Union in Ghana

As part of the European Union-funded Deforestation-Free Cocoa Project, a two-day EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) Part...
08/05/2026

As part of the European Union-funded Deforestation-Free Cocoa Project, a two-day EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) Partner Training and Training of Trainers (ToT) was organised by TaylorCrabbe Initiative, bringing together key partners to strengthen their capacity to deliver community-level education on natural resource law and environmental compliance within Ghana’s cocoa sector.

Facilitated by the team from TaylorCrabbe in collaboration with Solidaridad, Tropenbos Ghana, and RAIN, the training focused on translating complex legal and sustainability frameworks into practical, relatable knowledge for farmers.

Key concepts included land and tree tenure, legality, deforestation-free production, and traceability, with emphasis on communication in local languages such as Twi and adaptation to varying literacy levels.

The sessions also created space for critical discussions on the practical challenges faced by farmers, particularly in relation to land documentation, recordkeeping, and due diligence requirements under the EU Deforestation Regulation.

The Deforestation-Free Cocoa project is implemented with funding from the European Union.

European Union in Ghana

We are excited to announce that Rights and Advocacy Initiatives Network (RAIN) has been selected as one of the 53 restor...
04/05/2026

We are excited to announce that Rights and Advocacy Initiatives Network (RAIN) has been selected as one of the 53 restoration champions in ’s third cohort! ​
​In support of the initiative, we will work alongside local communities to grow 38,000 trees, restore 34 hectares and create 41 green jobs in Bekwai Forest District. ​

Our project will restore degraded farmland through climate-smart agroforestry, improving soil health, water quality, and farm productivity while creating sustainable income and employment opportunities for local communities. ​
​
Together, we can restore land, livelihoods, and hope. ​
​
Learn more: https://lnkd.in/ebBQ3iFi
World Resources Institute
WRI Africa

🌳Happy International Day Of Forests🌳🌿 🌳Forests are powerful drivers of economic growth and resilience. From timber and n...
21/03/2026

🌳Happy International Day Of Forests🌳

🌿 🌳Forests are powerful drivers of economic growth and resilience. From timber and non-timber products to ecotourism and green jobs, forests support livelihoods, strengthen local economies, and contribute significantly to national development.

Let’s invest in sustainable forest management, empower communities, and promote green economies that value and protect our natural resources. Because strong forests mean strong economies—and a thriving future for all. 🌍💚

Together, let's Give To Gain for gender equality! , , , , ,
08/03/2026

Together, let's Give To Gain for gender equality!

, , , , ,

Address

Dr. O. Afriyie Akita Av, Aburaso
Kumasi
P.O.BOXKS4615

Opening Hours

Monday 09:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 09:00 - 17:00
Thursday 09:00 - 17:00
Friday 09:00 - 17:00

Telephone

+233322190634

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Rights & Advocacy Initiatives Network posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Rights & Advocacy Initiatives Network:

Shortcuts

Share

Category