This program is in-line with Barry Callebaut’s commitment to Cocoa Action. Cocoa Action is a voluntary industry-wide strategy on cocoa sustainability, convened by the World Cocoa Foundation (WCF), to improve cocoa farmers’ productivity, profitability and livelihoods. Two productivity packages will be provided directly to farmers and farmer cooperatives on a credit basis. The basic package will provide training in areas like pruning and crop protection and the second advanced package in addition provides fertilizers to professional and credit worthy farmers, with trees under 20 years of age. Crucially, both packages will be supported by on-farm individualized coaching through Barry Callebaut accredited agents trained on business management, agronomy and adult education.

To receive the productivity package on credit, farmers are assisted in opening a bank account where they are required to save part of the package value up-front. The accounts are opened at Advans, one of the leading microfinance institutions (MFIs) in West Africa.

This combined plan will empower farmers and transform them into entrepreneurs with a positive operational, financial and profitability track record.  The goal is eventually to increase the comfort of local and international financial institutions to independently invest in these types of high-impact programs.