The study highlights the need of improvements, both possible and necessary. The revised UTZ code of conduct approved in June 2014, already addresses some of these areas of improvement. Gender and inclusiveness – Women and youths represent about half of the work force on cocoa farms and yet the report found they were not being […]
What's at Stake
West and Central Africa have strong rural economies set within some of the world's largest forest expanses. The Congo Basin spans eight countries, contains the world's second largest contiguous forest, and boasts abundant biodiversity and natural resources. It also provides food, water, and shelter to some 75 million people.
Cocoa farmers face economic hardship, climate change
Seventy percent of the world’s cocoa comes from West Africa, where cocoa cultivation is a way of life reaching back for generations. Most of the cocoa throughout the region is grown by smallholder farmers who struggle not only with economic hardship, but also with the effects of climate change—hotter temperatures, unpredictable rainfall, and a shift in growing seasons.
Our Work
Sustainable agriculture and community forestry are powerful strategies for conserving the abundance of natural resources in West and Central Africa. In addition to our work to conserve the forests of the Congo Basin, we partner with farming communities to build climate-resilient, sustainable agriculture landscapes.
Article
The Future of Farming Begins with Young Farmers in Kenya
Future Farmers begins with a one-acre demo farm in Kagio, Kenya, where everything is an opportunity for experimentation and growth.
The study highlights the need of improvements, both possible and necessary. The revised UTZ code of conduct approved in June 2014, already addresses some of these areas of improvement. Gender and inclusiveness – Women and youths represent about half of the work force on cocoa farms and yet the report found they were not being […]
Article
Cocoa Farmers Help Protect Last Primary Rainforest in Côte d’Ivoire
We're helping farmers increase their incomes and conserve a precious ecosystem.
All resources for West & Central Africa
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Impact Study
Impact of UTZ Certification of Cocoa in Ivory Coast
The study highlights the need of improvements, both possible and necessary. The revised UTZ code of conduct approved in June 2014, already addresses some of these areas of improvement.
Gender and... View more
Impact Study
Cocoa Farms in Ghana: An Evaluation of the Impact of UTZ Certification on the Sustainability of Smallholders Supported by the Solidaridad Cocoa Programme (2010-2012)
This study by COSA evaluated the performance on key sustainability indicators in the 2010 and 2012 cocoa production years for UTZ certified farmers in two districts in Ghana. The 2010 baseline of UTZ... View more
Impact Study
Moving the Bars: KPMG Evaluation of the UTZ 2008-2012 Cocoa Improvement Program
This report evaluates the effectiveness of the Cocoa Improvement Program (CIP), implemented by IDH, UTZ and Solidaridad between 2008 and 2012. This program brought together key players throughout the... View more
Impact Study
Rainforest Alliance Certification on Cocoa Farms in Côte d’Ivoire
More than120,000 cocoa farms in 11 countries have achieved Rainforest Alliance certification, covering an area of nearly 500,000 hectares (1.24 million acres), and with recent commitments by Unilever,... View more