Growing Fairer Futures: Empowering young cocoa farmers through beekeeping integration

Shared Interest Foundation is excited to collaborate with Côte d’Ivoire’s fair trade network, Réseau Ivorien de Commerce Equitable (RICE), and Ivorian cocoa co-operative, CAYAT to deliver a youth empowerment project funded by the Chocolonely Foundation. This initiative aims to create more sustainable futures for young cocoa farmers by integrating beekeeping into cocoa production.  

The Chocolonely Foundation supports projects and organisations that contribute to positive, lasting change and prosperity for cocoa growing communities in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana. Together, Shared Interest Foundation and the Chocolonely Foundation champion a responsible and sustainable cocoa industry, fostering equality and building stronger livelihoods.

Project Overview

Launched in September, our new, 18-month project aims to integrate beekeeping into cocoa production, offering a new economic opportunity for 150 young cocoa farmers and support to increase the resilience of their cocoa farms. 

Beekeeping generates additional income through the production of honey and related products. It also enhances farm productivity through natural pollination  and biodiversity protection, thereby increasing cocoa farm yields.  

By combining these two agricultural practices, the project aims to: 

• Re-engage young farmers in sustainable agriculture through the provision of training and high-quality equipment, including 600 modern beehives
• Improve producers’ financial resilience through the establishment of new beekeeping enterprises.
• Promote environmentally friendly and climate-smart farming
• Increase the economic and social empowerment of young farmers through participating in trade fairs, educational radio programmes and community development initiatives.

This project represents an exciting step forward in creating fairer, and more resilient cocoa growing communities.

You can read more about the Chocolonely Foundation and other great projects they are supporting on their website here.

Support our work

We hope you enjoyed reading this project update from Shared Interest Foundation.

Since 2004, thanks to our incredible supporters, the Foundation has delivered 51 projects in 15 countries, reaching over 13,000 farmers and artisans. Support Shared Interest Foundation’s work today and help to build a fairer world.

If you have any questions about this project, please feel free to speak with a member of the Foundation team via email here.