Securing the Future of Cocoa Production in Ivory Coast

Confronting the Cocoa Crisis: Securing the Future of Cocoa Production in Ivory Coast through Innovations in Biopesticides

Location: Online via Zoom

Date: Thursday 5th May

Time: 10:30 – 11:30

Join the Shared Interest Foundation (SIF) team to learn more about their latest project aiming to increase the resilience of cocoa farmers in Ivory Coast through innovations in biopesticides.

As the world's leading cocoa producer, Ivory Coast accounts for over 40% of global output. Cocoa is the country’s most important cash crop, providing employment for around 600,000 farmers and supporting the livelihoods of nearly 6 million people. However, cocoa farmers are increasingly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, which has led to a surge in pests and diseases. These challenges are causing annual yield losses of 25–30%, and in severe cases, up to 75% when left untreated. The widespread use of chemical pesticides is further degrading soil fertility and polluting water sources.

To address this challenge, SIF has partnered with Réseau Ivoirien du Commerce Equitable (RICE), the Ivorian Fair Trade Network, University Félix Houphouët-Boigny (UFHB) in Abidjan, and experts from the University of Ghana. Together, we are developing a cost-effective biopesticide to protect cocoa trees, reduce crop loss, and enhance sustainable production. This pilot project currently supports 200 cocoa farmers across four cooperatives.

At this event, Shared Interest Customer Representative Kwami Dekonor will provide an overview of the challenges facing West Africa's cocoa sector, while Kodzo Korkortsi, SIF Manager, will discuss the significance of this project and its goals. For the panel discussion we will be joined by Dr. Mavis Acheampong (University of Ghana), who will share insights into the biopesticide’s development, and Anciette Asseu, General Manager of Société Coopérative Agricole Adzopé Nord (SOCAAN —one of the participating cooperatives — who will speak about the climate-related difficulties her community faces and their motivation for engaging in the project).

Speakers:

• Kodzo Korkortsi (Shared Interest Foundation Manager)
• Kwami Dekonor (Customer Representative, West Africa)
• Dr Mavis Acheampong (Crop Science Department, University of Ghana)
• Anciette Asseu (General Manager of SOCAAN)

Agenda:

10:30: Welcome from Kodzo Korkortsi - Shared Interest Foundation Manager

10:35: Overview of challenges facing the cocoa sector in West Africa – Kwami Dekonor, Customer Representative West Africa

10:45: Overview of SIF Biopesticide Project – Kodzo Korkortsi

11:00: Panel discussion - Kodzo Korkortsi, Kwami Dekonor, Anciette Asseu, Dr Mavis Acheampong

11:20: Live Q&A with the audience and panel members

11:30: Closing remarks