Barriers and opportunities for adoption and scaling food system innovations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Guinea’s cocoa value chain

This report presents results from an assessment of the cocoa value chain in Guinea to identify barriers and opportunities for scaling food system innovations that reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions while enhancing sustainability and livelihoods. A qualitative approach combining field-based data collection and stakeholder engagement was used. Data were collected through Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with cocoa producers and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with other value chain actors, including input suppliers, aggregators, wholesalers, transporters, and exporters, across major cocoa-producing areas in Forest Guinea (Nzérékoré, Lola, and Macenta) and Conakry. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis and the findings were subsequently validated through a multi-stakeholder workshop held in Conakry in December 2025.