Low Carbon Agriculture for smallholder cocoa farmers in Ecuador

The "Low Carbon Agriculture for Smallholder Cocoa Farmers" project aims to combine climate protection with sustainable improvements in the livelihoods of 2,800 smallholder families across six provinces of Ecuador: Esmeraldas, Santo Domingo, Manabí, Los Ríos, Guayas, and El Oro. By promoting innovative farming techniques and sustainable management practices, the project seeks to reduce CO₂ emissions in cocoa production while increasing efficiency, yields and incomes. In addition, the innovative agroforestry system stores atmospheric carbon in plant biomass. The project thus contributes to both climate change adaptation and climate change mitigation. The project is built on a holistic approach that integrates ecological, economic, and social aspects.

The project provides specific training programs for participating farmers, enabling them to optimize their farm management and integrate sustainable agricultural practices. These efforts lead to increased yields, more efficient resource utilization, and long-term farm sustainability. To minimize the carbon footprint of cocoa production and to increase the climate resilience of the production systems, the project emphasizes agroforestry systems, regenerative agriculture, and circular economy models. These innovative approaches strengthen the resilience of agricultural systems and improve their capacity to adapt to the challenges of climate change.

By improving post-harvest processes and adhering to international quality standards, farmers can produce high-quality cocoa beans that meet the demands of global markets. This enhances the farmers’ competitiveness and can unlock new sales opportunities. Farmers who successfully implement the project’s sustainability goals are rewarded financially with premiums. These recognize their efforts to adopt sustainable principles, help increase their income, and encourage long-term commitment to sustainable practices, to support a stable financial future.

• Ofi-Olam Ecuador S.A.
  Since 2014, ofi-Olam Ecuador has been committed to sustainable cocoa production. Through its "Cocoa Compass Sustainability Strategy," included on Choices for Change, the company sets benchmarks in climate protection, improving farmers' livelihoods, and combating deforestation. Ofi-Olam Ecuador supports the project by introducing climate-friendly farming methods and strengthening the resilience of cocoa production in Ecuador.
• Rikolto
  Rikolto is an international NGO founded in Belgium in 1986. It collaborates with agricultural cooperatives and value chain actors across Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Its mission is to ensure sustainable incomes for farmers and provide nutritious, affordable food for all by promoting sustainable agricultural value chains and fostering strong collaboration between producers and markets. In Ecuador, Rikolto focuses on improving cocoa production, promoting social and environmental responsibility, and supporting the sustainable development of the cocoa industry through market networking.