CACAO+

Project Summary

The CACAO+ project strengthens the climate and economic resilience of cocoa-growing families in the Peruvian Amazon by promoting climate-smart and nature-based practices, zero-deforestation agroforestry systems, and high-performing, inclusive co-operatives, with a particular focus on women’s and Indigenous communities’ leadership.

Socodevi supports the adoption of these sustainable practices, the establishment of responsible agroforestry systems, and the strengthening of associations and co-operatives to offer gender-sensitive, biodiversity-friendly post-harvest services.

The project focuses on creating local value and promoting equality to increase incomes and sustainably improve families’ living conditions.

Learn more about CACAO+

Objectives

Increase the adoption of climate-smart, nature-based practices that protect biodiversity, such as diversified agroforestry, restoration of degraded plots, and zero-deforestation approaches
Strengthen the performance of associations and co-operatives through gender-responsive post-harvest services, business plans that meet zero-deforestation standards, better access to financing, and improved risk management
Create a more enabling business environment supported by greater agency for women—particularly Indigenous women—and stronger capacities among authorities and stakeholders in rights-based and inclusive governance

Results and Impact

Key Results

91 technical staff and community facilitators were trained on nature-based cocoa production solutions, including 22 women, 53 young people, and 22 Indigenous people.
11 sites were assessed for the establishment of demonstration plots designed to promote climate-adapted agroforestry systems.
6 technical guides were developed for the establishment and equipping of nurseries within partner co-operatives.
10 co-operatives completed a gender-responsive organizational assessment using the PerformCoop approach to guide their organizational strengthening.
6 co-operatives received support in identifying sustainable business models, and 3 co-operatives established their first commercial contacts with Canadian buyers at the Salon du Chocolat de Montréal.

Cocoa Production That Protects the Forest

Development of nature-based cocoa production solutions adapted to the realities of the Peruvian Amazon.
Promotion of diversified agroforestry systems that meet “zero deforestation” requirements.
Recognition and integration of the knowledge of women and Indigenous Peoples into production practices.
Establishment of demonstration plots and nurseries that support the restoration of forest landscapes.

Stronger and More Competitive Co-operatives

PerformCoop organizational assessments completed with the 10 partner co-operatives.
Development or updating of strategic and operational plans.
Strengthening of inclusive governance and management capacities.
Preparation of investments in post-harvest and processing equipment.

More Value for Cocoa Producers

Development of financial literacy programs tailored to producers’ needs.
Analysis of markets and commercialization opportunities for fine cocoa and macambo.
Initial commercial linkages established with Canadian buyers at the Salon du Chocolat de Montréal.
Support for co-operatives in developing sustainable business models.

Women at the Heart of the Value Chain’s Transformation

Participatory assessment of the barriers faced by women cocoa producers.
Development of a leadership, awareness-raising, and gender-based violence prevention program.
Support for the National Network of Women Cocoa Producers.
Strengthening women’s participation in decision-making spaces within the value chain.

Testimonial

“I am very grateful to Socodevi for believing in us and giving us the tools to fulfill our potential. As women cocoa producers, we have great ambitions: to process our native cocoa, create derived products, and bring real added value to our work. Thanks to the training offered through the CACAO+ project, we now feel that these dreams are within our reach. We are strengthening our skills, learning to better understand the market, and moving forward with confidence toward greater autonomy. Today, we can grow and thrive, not only as women cocoa producers, but also as families.”

Clara Chujatalli

Cocoa Producer and Member of the Allima Cacao Co-operative

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