Ecakoog

About ECAKOOG 

Founded in 2012 by a group of cocoa producers, including six women, Entreprise Coopérative Agricole Koognanan de Grogouya (ECAKOOG) was established with a clear purpose: to help farmers achieve better outcomes by working together. 

What began as a local initiative has grown into a thriving co-operative comprising 71 producer groups acrosss even co-operatives, representing more than 10,700 farmers in Côte d'Ivoire. Today, ECAKOOG is recognised not only for the quality of its cocoa, but also for its commitment to sustainable agriculture, strong governance and community development. 

Shared Interest and ECAKOOG 

Since becoming a Shared Interest customer in 2022, the co-operative has used our support to pre-finance cocoa purchases from its members, helping it to continue providing a reliable and effective service to farming communities. 

Cocoa farmer, Jonas Som, said:

"For me, being a member of ECAKOOG is a source of pride and security. For my family, it means that we are not alone: we have a co-operative that defends us, that helps us sell our cocoa better and that carries out social actions in our village. Thanks to ECAKOOG, we have access to training, social projects, and our children can go to school more easily."

Speaking about the financial support, Director Ginette Kouame, said: 

"This financing is an essential lever for the co-operative. It has enabled us to strengthen our cash flow, to execute our export volumes and to invest in sustainability. For the members, this means better support and more stability. For the co-operative, it strengthens our credibility with partners and allows us to plan our activities with more serenity. In short, this financing supports producers while consolidating the structure that represents them." 

Growing opportunities for Ivorian cocoa farmers

Alongside these accolades, ECAKOOG has continued to seek new opportunities for its members, participating in international trade and agricultural events in Côte d'Ivoire, Europe and North America. These activities help raise the profile of the co-operative and build connections that can support future growth.

Alongside pursuing growth opportunities, ECAKOOG has also had to navigate a number of challenges facing the cocoa sector. To meet new EUDR requirements, the co-operative reviewed its producer register and strengthened farm traceability systems. It has also responded to significant cocoa price volatility. During the 2025/26 season, changes to the regulated farmgate price created uncertainty across the sector, requiring co-operatives, producers and buyers to work together to find practical solutions. Throughout this period, ECAKOOG remained focused on supporting its members and maintaining market access for their cocoa.

Despite these challenges, ECAKOOG remains focused on expanding opportunities for its members. The co-operative hopes to increase production in the coming years through membership growth and expansion into new cocoa-producing areas. Like many cocoa-growing communities, ECAKOOG's members are experiencing the impacts of climate change. Changes in weather patterns have affected cocoa production across Côte d'Ivoire, creating uncertainty for farmers whose livelihoods depend on successful harvests.

In response, the co-operative is investing in measures that can help farmers adapt and build resilience. One of its long-term commitments is the distribution of at least 10,000 shade trees by2027. These trees can help protect cocoa plants, improve biodiversity and contribute to more sustainable farming systems.

ECAKOOG is also participating in Shared Interest Foundation's Biopesticide Project supporting environmentally sustainable farming practices. The co-operative's commitment to continuous improvement is further reflected in its participation in a year-long capacity building project focused on strengthening governance and financial reporting.

Together, these initiatives are helping to equip the co-operative and its members against future challenges.

Cocoa farmer Jacques Amani, said:

"The climate has become unpredictable: sometimes too much rain damages the pods, sometimes a drought reduces the harvest. Plant diseases appear more often. But with ECAKOOG, we receive shade plants and advice to protect our fields. We are encouraged to practice agroforestry and diversify our food crops such as cassava and maize. This will help us in the long term to better with stand difficulties and keep our plantations productive despite the changes.

"One of the most striking aspects of ECAKOOG's work is its investment in the wider wellbeing of its communities. Using the Fairtrade Premium, the co-operative has developed a range of initiatives that support education, women's empowerment and access to essential services. In 2024, ECAKOOG provided school loans to support 194 farming families.

"The initiative helps parents meet the costs associated with sending their children to school and forms part of the co-operative's commitment to improving educational opportunities for young people."

The co-operative has also supported 300 children in obtaining birth certificates, helping ensure access to education and legal recognition. Recognising the important role women play within farming communities, ECAKOOG has invested significantly in programmes designed to strengthen women's skills and economic independence. Literacy classes have helped women develop confidence and practical knowledge, including budgeting and financial management. Meanwhile, Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA) groups and income-generating activities have provided opportunities for women to increase and manage their own income.

President of the women of the Tagrou association Jacqueline Kouadio, said: 

"As a female member, I was able to learn to read and write thanks to the literacy classes. Before, I always depended on someone to read the numbers. Today, I can distinguish numbers and letters on my own.

"With VSLA savings groups, we put money together and we can borrow to start small businesses, such as selling cassava or maize. This has allowed me to help my husband and pay for my children's schooling. I feel more respected. I was also able to buy a plot of land and build a small house."

Access to clean water is another area where the co-operative has made a lasting difference. In 2021, ECAKOOG funded the construction of six boreholes across communities within its operating area, improving access to safe water for local families. These projects reflect a belief that strong communities are essential to a thriving agricultural sector.

By investing beyond cocoa production, the co-operative is helping create benefits that reach entire families and communities. As they continue to grow, its focus remains firmly on supporting its members and creating opportunities for future generations.