Ecookim

Shared Interest and ECOOKIM

ECOOKIM gained Fairtrade certification in 2010 and became a Shared Interest customer 2014. The co-operative has utilised Shared Interest finance to build warehouses, purchase vehicles and invest in education, health facilities, water and sanitation.

Rising Cocoa Prices: Unwrapping the Impact on the Chocolate Industry

Around 50 million people in the world depend on cocoa for their livelihoods. But despite the popularity of chocolate, it can be a volatile way of making a living.

The dependence of developing countries on raw commodities leaves them vulnerable to price volatility, with profits concentrated in countries where the commodity is imported and processed, rather than grown. It is often farmers in developing countries - those at the end of the value chain - who suffer.

This problem was highlighted in the cocoa sector in April 2024 when, Ivory Coast announced that its cocoa farmers will finally benefit from high market prices, receiving 50% more for the remainder of the season. However, with cocoa farmers unable to meet buyer demands due to low yields, for some, this news isn’t as sweet as it might seem.

Speaking about the impact of rising cocoa prices on ECOOKIM, Aminata Bamba, Sustainable Development Manager, said:

"The funds received by ECOOKIM make it possible to finance the co-operatives for the purchase of cocoa from member producers. As a result, producers immediately receive the money when they send their cocoa. They can therefore resolve their problems or needs.

"The current increase in cocoa price is a positive move, we hope this will impact the farmers in the months to come.”

Fairtrade and ECOOKIM

Fairtrade standards offer various provisions and benefits to ECOOKIM, including:

• An additional Fairtrade Premium of $200 per tonne for investment in community, business and environmental projects.
• An extra $300 per tonne for Fairtrade Certified organic cocoa beans.
• Environmental standards to promote sound agricultural practices involving waste management, soil fertility, water use and more.
• Prohibition of forced labour and child labour.

Here are some more examples of how Fairtrade Premium has supported ECOOKIM:

• Two central warehouses were constructed, serving three co-operatives.
• A truck was purchased by CAPEDIG co-operative for the collection and delivery of coffee beans.
• Organic fertilisers were provided to increase the sustainability of cocoa production.
• Disease control, pesticides, spraying equipment and personal protective equipment were provided.
• Training programmes were developed to improve productivity and quality.
• Educational programmes were developed to raise awareness of child labour issues.

Fairtrade represents the voices of two million small-scale farmers and workers. Learn more about how we support Fairtrade organisations here.

BETTER THE BALANCE, BETTER THE WORLD.

Cocoa is vital to Ecookim members, providing 70% of their incomes, but many of their cocoa trees are now old and diseased, and need replacing. Coffee is also grown as a cash crop along with maize, rice and bananas, for family consumption.

Ecookim provides social support to members, which includes:

• Support to women’s groups, providing  alternative income generating projects, like the Village Saving and Loan Associations (VLSA).
• Construction of a three-classroom  block for a primary school, rehabilitation of 10 primary schools and distribution of 3,000 school materials.
• Loans for school fees to member producers and staff.
• Free distribution of treated mosquito nets to producer members.
• Campaigning against child labour.
• Training on Ebola disease awareness and prevention.
• Construction of warehouses for two member co-operatives.
• Building of bridges.
• Health support for producers and their relatives and deforestation.
• Environmental training against bush fire.

You can read more about Ecookim in QR 119 and QR 132.