GROWING FAIRER FUTURES: IVORY COAST
Summary
In Ivory Coast, this Growing Fairer Futures project is being delivered in partnership with local cocoa co-operative, CAYAT.
As part of this project, 50 young cocoa farmers are receiving essential farm inputs, equipment, guidance and training that will enable them to improve their cocoa production, secure stronger incomes and build a brighter future for themselves.
Location: Ivory Coast
Date: January 2020 to November 2025
Participants: 50 young cocoa farmers
Partners: CAYAT
Image: Anita Akkafou, project participant
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Project results
During the first year, farmers received training in Good Agricultural Practices, Climate Smart Agriculture and Agri-business Skills. They were also provided with 37,500 cocoa seedlings and 625 shade trees.
In years two and three, farmers continued to receive essential farming inputs to maintain their farms, along with ongoing support and guidance from extension officers at CAYAT. By the end of the third year of this project, participating farmers produced 4,988kg of cocoa and generated £6,520, with an average of £130 per farmer.
In 2024 - year four of the project - harvest volumes increased three-fold throughout the year, resulting in a year-end production total of 12,300kg, an average of 246kg of cocoa produced per farmer. Participating farmers generated £24,800 in sales, averaging £496 per farmer.
Participant story: Meet Anita
Anita Akaffou is a cocoa producer who, before joining this project, had been assisting her parents in their family cocoa farm. Securing land for women presents a significant challenge, as societal norms often dictate that women will marry and relocate, while land is traditionally given to male family members.
With the support Anita received through this project, she managed to establish her own cocoa farm on land given to her by her father. She planted 500 cocoa trees and banana trees to offer crucial shade. These trees are thriving, and Anita is expecting to see her first harvest in November 2023. Her plan is to reinvest the income earned from this harvest to expand her farm, thus increasing her household income.
Participant story: Meet Hortense
Hortense Kouman has been a cocoa farmer for seven years and farms a one hectare plot.
Commenting on the impact of this project, Hortense said:
“Thanks to this project, we received equipment such as machetes, boots, and other tools that we would normally have to buy. This equipment allowed us to save money for other expenses and invest it in other activities.”
Hortense uses the income from her cocoa farm to pay for her household needs, school fees and school supplies for her children.
Hortense told us that the biggest threat facing her farm is the increasing rate of insects which attack her cocoa pods. However, through the training received, she has been able to implement new techniques to increase the resilience of her farm.
She told us:
“I received shade trees and planted them in my field. I follow all the good agricultural practices we were taught, such as pruning, fertilising, and field cleaning.”
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