Project to improve the livelihood of cocoa farmers

The joint sustainability project in Côte d'Ivoire to improve the livelihood of cocoa farmers was launched back in 2020. Through the project, we procure cocoa beans under long-term contracts with Fairtrade premiums. The project encompasses sustainable land use and agricultural practices, strengthening the role of women, gender equality, financial inclusion and combating child labour.

A project phase that began in 2024 focuses on supporting and strengthening women, combating child labour and on sustainable practices in agriculture. Sustainability knowledge and application practices are communicated through training.

3.780

members are part of the cooperative.

9 %

of the farmers are women.

59 %

of ECAMOM members were reached on average by each training programme.

51 %

of women in the cooperative have taken part in the training.

Supporting investments of the cooperative:

Thanks to the premiums that have been paid, the cooperative was able to provide its members with wheelbarrows to make carrying heavy loads easier, as well as more efficient cooking stoves to reduce the dependency on firewood. A new drinking water well provides a secure water supply and school kits for the children of farming families have helped with their schooling. The cooperative has built six schools since it was founded in 2006.

Women's School of Leadership

This initiative strives to bridge the gender gap and provides systematic training and support for women farmers. They learn skills to improve their operating practices and to become more economically independent. The project includes special mentoring programmes for women.

Child Labour Monitoring and Remediation System (CLMRS)

A comprehensive monitoring and remediation system has been established to prevent child labour. The CLMRS (Child Labour Monitoring and Remediation System) identifies and eliminates child labour. Providing children with a safe environment, access to education and appropriate development opportunities is the goal.

Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA)

Access to financial services is of crucial importance to strengthen the economic position of smallholders so they can weather instability, invest and grow. Project activities include training workshops on financial management, saving and fundamental business skills, especially also for women.

Polygon mapping for farm management

The project supports modern technologies and training for the preparation of polygon maps to accurately depict the boundaries and characteristics of each operation. This monitoring of forest stands and deforestation is essential for environmental protection and access to the European market. The farmers are trained in the use of these mapping tools and interpretation of the data, ensuring ECAMON’s compliance with the EU Regulation on Deforestation-free Products.

Bild: © Fairtrade / Christoph Koestlin