FARMERS
WHY IT MATTERS
Smallholder farmers and family farms are at the heart of cocoa production and at the centre of the Transparence Cacao approach. Across participating origins, cocoa is primarily produced by family-managed farms that contribute to local economies, rural livelihoods and the continuity of cocoa-growing traditions. Supporting the resilience and viability of these farms is essential for the long-term future of cocoa production.
Farmers need access to knowledge, technical support and practical tools that help them strengthen farm management, adapt to changing conditions and pursue continuous improvement over time.
Farmers need access to knowledge, technical support and practical tools that help them strengthen farm management, adapt to changing conditions and pursue continuous improvement over time.
OUR APPROACH
Transparence Cacao works directly with producer organisations to engage and support participating farmers throughout the programme.
Particular attention is given to strengthening the capacity of smallholder farmers and family farms through training, coaching, farm-level monitoring and access to locally relevant information. Activities support farmers in understanding programme requirements, improving farm management practices and participating actively in traceability and continuous improvement processes.
Implementation priorities are adapted to local contexts, farmer needs and identified opportunities.
Particular attention is given to strengthening the capacity of smallholder farmers and family farms through training, coaching, farm-level monitoring and access to locally relevant information. Activities support farmers in understanding programme requirements, improving farm management practices and participating actively in traceability and continuous improvement processes.
Implementation priorities are adapted to local contexts, farmer needs and identified opportunities.
Smallholder farmers and family farms are at the heart of cocoa production.
OUR LONG
TERM AMBITIONS
Transparence Cacao aims to strengthen the resilience, viability and long-term prospects of participating smallholder farmers and family farms across all origins.
The programme seeks to expand access to support services, strengthen farmer engagement and encourage continuous improvement through long-term partnerships and locally adapted approaches.
The programme seeks to expand access to support services, strengthen farmer engagement and encourage continuous improvement through long-term partnerships and locally adapted approaches.
2025 INDICATORS
22 998
participating farmers
100%
of farmers registered in traceability systems
100%
of farmers receiving training or coaching
in practice
Supporting continuous improvement at farm level
Smallholder farmers and family farms are at the centre of Transparence Cacao. Through the COCOAPERATION project, implemented in Côte d’Ivoire between 2023 and 2025, producers received personalised coaching based on farm development plans combining productivity improvement, income diversification, access to financial services and strengthened farm management practices.
The project supported 5,653 farmers, exceeding its initial target of 5,000. Participating farms recorded an average yield increase of 40.9%, progressing from 406 kg/ha to 572 kg/ha over three years, while 24% of coached plots reached the programme target of 800 kg/ha.
These results were observed during a period when cocoa production in Côte d’Ivoire was experiencing a significant decline. According to official sector data, national cocoa production fell by approximately 25% between the 2022/23 and 2023/24 cocoa seasons.
The project also contributed to strengthening farmers’ access to diversification activities, savings groups and other support services designed to support long-term household resilience.
The project supported 5,653 farmers, exceeding its initial target of 5,000. Participating farms recorded an average yield increase of 40.9%, progressing from 406 kg/ha to 572 kg/ha over three years, while 24% of coached plots reached the programme target of 800 kg/ha.
These results were observed during a period when cocoa production in Côte d’Ivoire was experiencing a significant decline. According to official sector data, national cocoa production fell by approximately 25% between the 2022/23 and 2023/24 cocoa seasons.
The project also contributed to strengthening farmers’ access to diversification activities, savings groups and other support services designed to support long-term household resilience.