Cocoa
The foundation of our tree crop journey and a central part of our agricultural vision.
Tree Crops
Our Tree Crops
Growing For The Long Term
Tree crops require patience, careful management and a long-term commitment to the land. At Gahiza Farms, we are developing tree crops as part of a broader vision for productive, responsible and sustainable agriculture in Liberia.
Oil Palm
A major part of our agricultural diversification and long-term growth strategy.
Citrus
Part of the tree crop direction identified for the continued development of Gahiza Farms.
01 / Cocoa
Where Our Tree Crop Journey Began
When we began exploring agriculture in Liberia, cocoa stood out to us. Having witnessed the importance of cocoa to the economies of Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire, we believed Liberia had the potential to develop its own cocoa industry.
We researched cocoa extensively and brought agricultural technicians from Côte d'Ivoire to help assess the soil, advise on cultivation practices and establish our cocoa nursery.
Our cocoa operation began in 2020. The early development included approximately 100,000 cocoa seedlings, planted alongside plantain as an early shade crop.
100,000+
Cocoa seedlings initially planted
A Lesson From The Land
You Cannot Farm Against Nature.
Our early experience with cocoa taught us that successful agriculture requires more than planting crops. A difficult period of drought caused major losses to our young plantation, including virtually all of the plantain and a significant portion of the cocoa seedlings. Instead of walking away, we reassessed our approach and began rebuilding with the land and its environment in mind.
Our Approach
Growing Cocoa With The Environment In Mind
Our experience changed the way we think about cocoa production. We began introducing trees into our cocoa development areas to create a healthier environment for the crop while also restoring tree cover on previously degraded land.
Shade
Trees provide shade for young cocoa and help reduce
exposure to extreme heat.
Soil Protection
Trees can contribute organic matter and help protect
the soil.
Biodiversity
A more vegetated farm environment can support greater
biodiversity.
Resilience
A healthier agricultural environment can help the farm
adapt to changing climate conditions.
02 / Oil Palm
Another Part Of Our Agricultural Journey
After experiencing the challenges of establishing cocoa on severely deforested land, we looked at the broader potential of our agricultural property and decided to diversify.
We established an oil palm nursery using Tenera oil palm seedlings and subsequently developed approximately 250 acres of oil palm plantation.
Oil palm is now one of the major components of Gahiza Farms. Our ambition is to develop the operation in an environmentally responsible and sustainable manner.
250
Approximate acres of oil palm plantation
Responsible Development
Productivity And Restoration Can Work Together
The land where we developed our agricultural operations had already been significantly affected by human activity and deforestation. Our approach has been to develop productive agriculture on previously degraded land while increasing tree and vegetative cover.
Across the farm, we have introduced cocoa trees, Gliricidia, Teak, oil palm, plantain and other vegetation, alongside natural regrowth where appropriate.
Our cocoa development, particularly across approximately 50 acres, is being approached as an agroforestry system where shade trees and cocoa can coexist.
03 / Citrus
Part Of Our Tree Crop Vision
Citrus is part of the tree crop direction identified for Gahiza Farms as we continue developing a diversified agricultural enterprise.
As our tree crop portfolio continues to develop, we remain focused on building productive agricultural systems that support our wider vision for sustainable farming in Liberia.
Looking Ahead
Planting For The Future
Our tree crops are part of a larger agricultural vision. We want to build productive farms that create economic value while protecting the land, restoring tree cover and building greater resilience for the future.