Feasibility study: Grievance mechanism in the Ivorian cocoa sector
A consortium of private sector and non-profit partners – members of the German Initiative on Sustainable Cocoa (GISCO) – has launched a feasibility study aimed at implementing a cross-company grievance mechanism in Côte d'Ivoire's cocoa sector. This initiative, funded by BMZ through the Due Diligence Fund, together with the Foundation of the German Cocoa and Chocolate Industry, seeks to align with the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights and relevant European supply chain legislation. The primary goal is to create an accessible system for cocoa producers, ensuring their grievances are heard and addressed. The next phase involves securing the commitment of key private sector partners to pilot the developed mechanism, marking a significant step towards fairer and more responsible cocoa supply chains.
Since January 2023, Germany's Corporate Due Diligence Act has required large companies to ensure their supply chains meet human rights and environmental standards, adding new responsibilities for the cocoa industry. A recently conducted feasibility study shows how companies could transform their approach on how human rights and environmental issues are handled in Côte d'Ivoire's cocoa supply chain. The study was commissioned by the Due Diligence Fund and members of the German Initiative on Sustainable Cocoa, and conducted by RISOME and Audace Institut Afrique (AIA). It provides a basis for concerted efforts of the cocoa industry to implement an effective sector-wide grievance mechanism that emphasizes accessibility for local rightsholders. The initiative demonstrates the benefits of collaboration and stakeholder engagement in creating efficient solutions that offer a significant advantage for both local rightsholders and companies, facilitating the implementation of robust due diligence systems.
Integrating local traditions with modern practices
The proposed system combines Côte d'Ivoire's traditional conflict resolution practices—especially the role of village chiefs—with structured procedures for reporting and addressing grievances. This hybrid approach will allow complaints to be addressed efficiently on the local level, with serious cases escalated if necessary. Farmers will have multiple ways to access the grievance system, such as through village representatives, digital platforms, or cooperative channels, and the process will maintain confidentiality to ensure complainants feel safe.
The mechanism’s key principles focus on transparency, cultural sensitivity, and predictability, with clear steps and timelines to keep complainants informed. A 24-month pilot project in five Ivorian villages is intended to help assess the approach, testing its effectiveness and adaptability before expanding it further across the cocoa industry.
This initiative holds promise not only for protecting workers and communities but also for fostering trust and collaboration between local stakeholders and international companies.
Learn more about the cross-company grievance mechanism in our new study!

Due Diligence Fund
The Due Diligence Fund (DDF) is a SASI-initiative that provides funding for promising approaches to fulfilling human rights and environmental due diligence obligations. It has recently launched its 3rd Call for Proposals and is open for applications until December 20th. Find more information on the website at Due Diligence Fund – Initiative for Sustainable Agricultural Supply Chain – SASI.