Cocoa Livelihoods Program

The WCF Cocoa Livelihoods Program is working to increase farm level productivity of cocoa and food crops of smallholder, cocoa-growing households in West and Central Africa.

The WCF Cocoa Livelihoods Program (CLP) increases farmer income and strengthens cocoa communities through three main objectives: increased farm-level cocoa productivity to 1000 kg/ha; improved service delivery efficiency for long-term, farm-level cocoa productivity increase; and improved farmer resiliency with a focus on food crop productivity.

CLP takes an industry-led approach, reaching rural farmers through dynamic partnerships with public and private actors while building institutional capacities for farmer outreach. Our goal is the creation of an institutional framework involving collaboration between public and private actors, and the development and adoption of best practices that lay the groundwork for future success.

Objectives

  • Advance industry initiatives. CLP supports private-sector partners by continuing to shift direct implementation of CLP activities to private sector initiatives. CLP’s Matching Grant mechanism leverages companies’ existing infrastructure, expertise, and presence to increase cost-efficiency with sustainability in mind.
  • Provide a ‘full-package’ of services to farmers. A ‘full package’ of training provides farmers with skills in improved cocoa production and farm management, including services for improved input delivery systems, planting materials, and financial services. CLP helps farmers take a business-like approach to farm investments.
  • Promote food crops. WCF and private and public sector partners help reduce farmer food insecurity by strengthening food crop diversification on their farms. Increasing food crop productivity improves diets and promotes greater gender equity as women produce the most food crops.
  • Empower women. Through a grant from the Walmart Foundation, WCF is supporting company partners to improve their gender outreach activities including those that achieve increased food production, diversified incomes, and enhanced decision making in investment and consumption choices. The Gender and Cocoa Livelihoods toolkit was developed to increase understanding and address gender inequalities in the cocoa sector.

Expected Results

  • Continued improvement in farm productivity and management
  • Increased food security for farmers through additional food crops
  • Greater women’s involvement in decision-making and benefit from program activities
  • CLP partners improve outreach activities to cocoa communities
Sustainability, cocoa sustainability, sustainable cocoa, why is sustainability important, sustainability defined, sustainability movement, cocoa plant, cocoa bean, cacao, raw cacao, deforestation, what is deforestation

Download Materials

  • Cocoa Livelihoods Program II Lessons Learned Executive Summary
    pdf    
  • Cocoa Livelihoods Program Phase II Endline Evaluation Final Report
    pdf    
  • Cocoa Livelihoods Program Phase II Endline Evaluation Final Report Annexes
    pdf    
  • Cocoa Livelihoods Program II Annual Report 2018
    pdf    
  • Gender & Livelihoods Toolkit
    pdf    
  • Cocoa Livelihoods Program - Fact Sheet
    pdf    

CLP Focus Countries

Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria
Our Partners

Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Walmart Foundation, Sustainable Trade Initiative (IDH), Barry Callebaut, BASF, Blommer Chocolate Co., Cargill, ECOM Agrotrade Ltd., Guittard Chocolate Co., The Hershey Company, Mars Inc., Meiji Holding Co., Mondelēz International, Nestlé, Olam International Ltd., Starbucks Coffee Co., Toms Gruppen A/S, Touton SA Ltd.

Farmer groups who have received training in good agriculture practices and business management skills through WCF CLP can further their farm productivity through the proper and safe usage of inputs, ranging from crop protective pesticides and fungicides to fertilizer for improvement of soil health.

Paul Macek Paul Macek Associate Vice President, Rural Economies and Agricultural Livelihoods, Corus International

Related Resources

WCF March & April 2015

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE It’s hard to imagine that WCF is celebrating its 15th anniversary.  I recall my initial interview in 2000 with a panel of six company representatives where I was asked why I felt qualified to… Read More

Newsletters

WCF January & February 2015

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE On behalf of WCF, I hope your new year is off to a positive start. 2014 was a defining year for WCF and I want to reflect on some of our achievements in order… Read More

Newsletters
Next Climate Smart Cocoa