AGROEMPRENDE CACAO

Project Summary

AGROEMPRENDE CACAO is a project led by Socodevi that aims to improve the living conditions of cocoa-producing families who are members of associative enterprises in various regions of Colombia. Through a strategy focused on strengthening the cocoa value chain, the project promotes the economic empowerment of producers from 5,000 family co-operatives. Activities focus on strengthening management skills within associative enterprises and on supporting the emergence and consolidation of regional associative enterprises that are profitable, innovative, sustainable, and inclusive.

Objectives

  • Improve productivity and climate resilience of family cocoa farms, while ensuring better access and control over natural and economic resources for women
  • Increase the profitability of cocoa co-operatives and women’s organizations participation
  • Improve the business environment of the cocoa value chain by promoting women’s participation in decision-making and economic initiatives

Results and impact

Key results

  • 43 producer organizations received support to strengthen their organizational and entrepreneurial capacities.
  • 3 regional co-operatives were established to provide sustainable services to member organizations.
  • Thousands of women and men producers strengthened their technical, entrepreneurial, and co-operative capacities.
  • Hundreds of women strengthened their leadership and participation in organizational governance.
  • Hundreds of young people participated in capacity-building and entrepreneurship activities.
  • 100% of the organizations supported have a support plan developed using the PerformCoop approach.
  • Hundreds of business plans and entrepreneurial initiatives received support to improve the competitiveness of the organizations.
  • More sustainable agricultural practices were adopted to strengthen the resilience of production systems.
  • Strategic partnerships were strengthened with co-operative organizations, public institutions, and agricultural value chain stakeholders.
  • A regional co-operative network is now able to ensure the long-term sustainability of services provided to producers.

Strengthening Producer Organizations

  • 43 producer organizations strengthened their governance, management, and entrepreneurial vision.
  • 43 strategic support plans were developed using the PerformCoop approach.
  • The organizations now have management and planning tools tailored to their needs.
  • The capacities of leaders and management teams were strengthened to improve organizational performance.

Building a Regional Co-operative Network

  • 3 regional co-operatives were established to provide shared services to member organizations.
  • 43 organizations are now integrated into this regional co-operative network.
  • The regional co-operatives provide locally accessible technical, organizational, and entrepreneurial support.
  • This structure strengthens the long-term sustainability of services and promotes collaboration among organizations.

Developing More Competitive Agricultural Enterprises

  • 43 organizations received support to improve their competitiveness and access to markets.
  • Hundreds of women and men producers strengthened their technical and entrepreneurial capacities.
  • The organizations improved their production, processing, and marketing practices.
  • Agricultural value chains have become more efficient and generate greater value for their members.

Promoting Sustainable and Inclusive Agriculture

  • Hundreds of women and young people participated in training and capacity-building activities.
  • The organizations integrated approaches that promote more inclusive governance and greater participation by women and young people.
  • Producers adopted more sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural practices.
  • Project interventions contributed to improving the economic, social, and environmental sustainability of the organizations.

Strengthening Local Capacities

  • 43 organizations now benefit from structured organizational and entrepreneurial support.
  • 3 regional co-operatives ensure the continuity of services beyond the project.
  • Local capacities in governance, co-operative management, and entrepreneurship have been strengthened for the long term.
  • The organizations are better equipped to continue their development autonomously.

Testimonials

“Socodevi and its project played a key role in our organization. With their support, we were able to secure major contracts and position our cocoa in national and international markets. What once seemed like a dream is now a reality.”

  • Ms. Claribeth Navarro
    Legal Representative, ASOSEYNEKUN

Partners

  • Financial partners:
    • Affaires mondiales Canada
    • REPSOL
    • ECOPETROL
    • PRODECO
    • MANSAROVAR ENERGY
    • GRAN TIERRA ENERGY
    • GOBERNACIÓN DEL CESAR
    • CANCILLERIA
    • Agencia Presidencial de Cooperación Internacional de Colombia (APC)
    • GIZ
    • DRUMMOND
  • Implementation: 40 cocoa organizations

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