Cocoa production in the agroforestry system

In the agroforestry system, cocoa trees are cultivated alongside other trees and shrubs. This creates ecological and, through the harvest of various fruits, economic benefits as well. In sunny regions, banana plants are often used as shade trees between the cocoa plants. This variety of vegetation promotes biodiversity, creates a more stable microclimate, reduces temperature fluctuations on the plantations and supports beneficial animal species that are important for pollination and crop protection. Agroforestry systems also improve regulation of the water supply and protect against soil erosion. The diversification of farming in particular can create better income opportunities for farmers.

Our partners in funding projects at the source provide local farmers with seedlings, seeds and other resources for the systematic establishment of agroforestry systems. We also support community-based reforestation projects that drive the establishment of such systems. Native tree species are planted in these projects that are perfectly adapted to regional conditions and contribute to sustainable forest development. Our partners work closely with the local communities and authorities in order to protect natural resources such as soil, water and forests and to ensure compliance with environmental and forest protection laws.

Through training programmes, we share practical knowledge about agroforestry systems, forest restoration and sustainable agriculture. This ensures that farmers not only benefit from measures in the short term, but are able to independently use sustainable farming methods over the long term.

Targeted incentives for farmers promote the acceptance of agroforestry systems. The integration of payments for ecosystem services (PES) plays an important role in this context. These additional payments to farmers reward their contribution to soil protection, improving the water supply and promoting biodiversity. Farmers therefore benefit directly from sustainable practices that contribute to the long-term economic stability of operations.

We are conducting a community-based reforestation project in Cote d’Ivoire in cooperation with the Farmers’ Organisation of Agboville (FOA). Nutrient-poor soil on an area of 16 hectares was revitalised by planting and caring for 10,260 trees in the course of this project. A community-based income promotion project, supporting women’s associations in particular, has also been initiated. Thanks to the payment system PES, financial means were generated to drive reforestation and to enable income promotion measures that strengthen these women’s cooperatives.