Social capital is defined here as the norms and networks that enable people to act collectively. Trust, plays a crucial role. Social capital can have both negative and positive implications. In Ghana social ties are important, and determine to some extent the level of access one has to different resources. In Ghana traditional authorities still play an important role in society.  Social ties can also form a barrier towards development. A way in which social capital can manifest itself is in collective action. Anna Laven looks at the role of collective action in facilitating upgrading among cocoa farmers.