2010 Cote d'Ivoire Challenge grants
Project Dates: January-December 2010
Country: Côte d’Ivoire
Funders: Cocoa Livelihoods Program and the Swedish Chocolate, Confectionery and Biscuit Manufacturers’ Association (CHOKOFA)
Administrator: World Cocoa Foundation
Grantee: Centre National de Recherche Agronomique (CNRA)
Overview of Challenge Grants Program:
The World Cocoa Foundation Challenge Grants Program was developed in 2008 with the objectives of:
- Improving the quality of life for cocoa-farming families and the quality of their cocoa
- Fostering linkages between universities, research institutes, and NGOs in cocoa-producing countries to further collaboration with cocoa farmers
Applications were open to research institutes, universities, farmer groups and NGOs from Côte d’Ivoire.
Grant Profiles:
Project: Farmer Training to Diagnose Techniques for Farm Regeneration
Funder: Cocoa Livelihoods Program
Problem Addressed: In Côte d’Ivoire, low yields per hectare can largely be attributed to the declined productivity of older cocoa trees. Productivity can be improved by rehabilitating and regenerating the farm, but few farmers understand when and how to do this.
Purpose: To produce a training module and diagnostic tool that will enable farmers to better identify when and how to regenerate their older farms.
Project: Integrated Pest and Disease Management of Cocoa and Rational Pesticide Use
Funder: CHOKOFA
Problem Addressed: There is a considerable loss in cocoa production due to pest and diseases in Côte d’Ivoire. While integrated pest management and the rational use of pesticides can reduce this problem, farmers do not always apply these methods correctly.
Purpose: To develop extension materials and radio messages, based on previously-developed manuals, that will be used to instruct farmers on integrated pest and disease management and the safe and rational use of pesticides. This will include training on compliance with new EU regulations on pesticide residues. This project builds on previous work supported by the European Cocoa Association, CAOBISCO and CABI Bioscience.
Project: Introducing Innovations that will make a Long-Term Difference for Cocoa-Farming Families and Communities
Funder: CHOKOFA
Problem Addressed: Improved planting materials have been developed for increased yields and resistance to black pod disease and mirids, common disease and pest problems in Côte d’Ivoire. However, few farmers are aware of the available material and its benefits.
Purpose: To improve understanding of the benefits of using improved planting material through “open house” events at the CNRA research station in Divo and training at community demonstration plots.