Insights into the Cocoa and Forests Initiative: Smallholder Engagement with Certification Programs and Agroforestry
2022
Teague, Molly
The Cocoa and Forests Initiative (CFI) in Côte d’Ivoire aims to address forest loss associated with cocoa cultivation by reducing deforestation and encouraging agroforestry. This study explores the relationship between certification programs, which operate primarily through cooperatives, and agroforestry to better understand the environment in which smallholder cocoa farmers operate. This study employs qualitative interviews and quantitative survey data to investigate farmer perceptions of certification programs and agroforestry initiatives and the impact of certification on participation in such initiatives. Farmers widely practiced low levels of agroforestry, about which they held generally positive views, and while certified farmers did not have more agroforestry trees, they were more knowledgeable about the benefits to cocoa production than non-certified farmers. Furthermore, many certified farmers conflated certification with cooperative membership. Understanding the role of preexisting institutions like certification and cooperatives is essential for the successful implementation of the CFI in a smallholder context.
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