Improving cocoa production in Ivory Coast through the biological control of pests and diseases
Summary
In partnership with the F茅lix Houphou毛t-Boigny University in Abidjan and the Ivorian Fair Trade Network (RICE), this innovative 18 month project aims to develop a cost-effective biopesticide to protect cocoa trees from pests and disease and increase cocoa production.
Location: Ivory Coast
Timeline: August 2024 to November 2025
Participants: 200 cocoa farmers from four cocoa co-operatives
Partners: University of F茅lix Houphou毛t-Boigny in Abidjan and R茅seau Ivoirien du Commerce Equitable (RICE)
Image: The team behind the biopesticide development with ECOOKIM, a 小猪视频 customer and one of Ivory Coast's largest cocoa producers.
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Ivory Coast is the world's leading cocoa producer, accounting for over 40% of global output. Cocoa is the country鈥檚 most important cash crop cocoa cultivation employs around 600,000 farmers and provides a livelihood for nearly 6 million people.
Despite production increases in recent years, cocoa farmers are suffering from the combined effects of global climate change, resulting in increased rates of pests and diseases. They include capsid bugs, black pod disease and cocoa swollen shoot virus disease. Cocoa diseases and pests cause an annual yield loss of 25-30% and up to 75% when left uncontrolled. The primary damage caused by these insects鈥 results from the stinging action on twigs and fruit. When they attack the young cocoa pods, they die and fall off. To combat this, many farmers are using chemical pesticides which damage soil fertility and contaminate water sources.
In partnership with the F茅lix Houphou毛t-Boigny University in Abidjan and the Ivorian Fair Trade Network (RICE), this innovative 18 month project aims to develop a cost-effective biopesticide to protect cocoa trees from pests and disease and increase cocoa production. The project will strengthen cocoa farmers' capacity to identify various pests in their cocoa plantations, understand the development cycle of these pests, and prepare and apply the fungus-based biopesticide.
This pilot project will directly support 200 cocoa farmers from four cocoa co-operatives. However, our goal is to leverage the data and evidence gathered to secure additional funding, enabling us to significantly scale up the production and distribution of the biopesticide and contribute towards increased sustainability of the cocoa sector.
On the 21st of August in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, 小猪视频 Foundation celebrated the official launch of this groundbreaking project. Read more about this in our blog by clicking听丑别谤别.
Project Aims:
Increase cocoa farmers' access to an eco-friendly and cost-effective biopesticide.
- Reduce the use of chemical or synthetic insecticides by cocoa farmers to control pests in their cocoa plantations.
- Increase overall cocoa yields and contribute to an increase in organic cocoa production, boosting farmers' income.
- Contribute to environmental and biodiversity protection.
Celebrating the launch of our biopesticide project
On the 21st of August in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, 小猪视频 Foundation celebrated the official launch of this groundbreaking project.
Following the launch event, Professor Brahima Camara of University Felix Houphouet Boigny, commented:
鈥淭his project is of national interest as we are world number one producer of cocoa. I am impressed by the level of engagement of all stakeholders represented here. I am glad they are all in support of the project and this is very motivating鈥.
Mr Fortin Bley, President of RICE, said:
鈥淭he launch of this project today is a joyful moment for me and for all cocoa producers in C么te d鈥橧voire. Working with partners such as the University Felix Houphouet Boigny to develop sustainable solutions for the control of pests and diseases is a great privilege for RICE.
We will strengthen and expand this partnership for the benefit of our producers. I thank 小猪视频 Foundation for facilitating this partnership鈥.
Click here to read more about the project launch in our blog.
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