What has led to the foundation of Africao?
Initially, the main activity of Africao was the sourcing and trading of cocoa beans. With the transformation of the industry and our wishes to deliver sustainable beans we have contacted FarmStrong Foundation which recommended the Swiss platform for sustainable cocoa.
What are some of the guiding principles for your cocoa sourcing strategy?
We share the targets of SWISSCO: Firstly, we strive for decent living conditions for cocoa farmers and their families. Secondly, we promote climate mitigation and adaptation, and protect biodiversity. And thirdly, we strive for an economically viable and transparent cocoa value chain, both for present and future generations.
What is your strategy to improve the living conditions of the producers and their families in your cocoa supply chain?
Improving requires a multi-faceted approach that goes beyond just the activities of a trading company. However, there are nine strategies that a trading company can adopt to contribute to the betterment of living conditions.
Firstly, fair trade practices. We strive to implementing these practices by ensuring that farmers receive fair prices for their cocoa beans. This involves paying a premium above the market price to support community development projects and improve the welfare of farmers.
Secondly, capacity building. We provide training and support programs to help farmers enhance their agricultural practices, productivity, and crop quality. This can include offering workshops, technical assistance, and access to resources like fertilizers, pesticides, and improved planting materials.
Thirdly, sustainability initiatives. We promote sustainable farming practices, such as agroforestry and organic farming, to protect the environment and increase farmers' resilience to climate change. Also, we encourage the adoption of certifications like Rainforest Alliance or Fairtrade that promote social, economic, and environmental standards.
Fourthly, access to finance. We facilitate access to financial services and microcredits for farmers, allowing them to invest in their farms, improve infrastructure, and enhance productivity. This can be done through partnerships with financial institutions or by providing credit directly to farmers.
Fifthly, Women's Empowerment. We implement programs that specifically target the empowerment of women in cocoa-growing communities. This can involve initiatives like training programs, women's cooperatives, and access to credit and resources.
Sixthly, community development projects. We collaborate with local communities to identify and address their specific needs, such as building schools, health centres, clean water facilities, or improving access to education and healthcare.
Seventhly, supply chain transparency. We ensure transparency and traceability in the supply chain to guarantee that the benefits intended for farmers reach them effectively. This can be achieved using blockchain technology or other traceability systems.
Eighthly, long-term partnerships. We foster long-term relationships with cocoa producers, allowing for stability and trust to develop. This enables trading companies to better understand the needs of farmers and implement sustainable development projects effectively.
Ninthly, advocacy and collaboration. We engage with stakeholders across the cocoa industry, including governments, NGOs, and other trading companies, to collectively address systemic issues and advocate for policies that support the well-being of cocoa farmers.
It's important to note that addressing the living conditions of producers requires a collaborative effort involving multiple stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, and consumers. A trading company should aim to work in partnership with these stakeholders to create sustainable and long-lasting improvements in the cocoa supply chain.
What does Africao expect from a membership in the Swiss Platform for Sustainable Cocoa? Where would you like to get involved
Being a trading companies involved in the cocoa industry, we have various expectations and objectives when joining a cocoa platform.
Firstly, networking and collaboration. We see opportunities to connect with other players in the cocoa value chain, such as farmers, processors, exporters, and manufacturers. And we hope to foster collaborations and explore business partnerships.
Secondly, market information and intelligence. we have access to real-time market information, trends, and analysis. This can help trading companies make informed decisions regarding buying, selling, and pricing of cocoa.
Thirdly, sustainability initiatives. Many trading companies are increasingly focusing on sustainability and expect the cocoa platform to facilitate engagement in sustainable cocoa initiatives, such as certifications, responsible sourcing, and environmental conservation efforts.
And fourthly, capacity building. We want to participate in training programs, workshops, and knowledge-sharing sessions organized by the platform. This can help trading companies enhance their expertise, improve operations, and stay updated on industry developments.
Where do you see Africao's biggest potential to contribute to achieving SWISSCO’s goals regarding enhancing sustainability in the cocoa value chain?
Firstly, through responsible sourcing. Africao could actively engage in responsible sourcing practices by ensuring that the cocoa it trades is sourced from suppliers and farmers who follow sustainable farming practices, promote fair labour conditions, and minimise environmental impacts.
Secondly, certification and standards. The company could encourage and support cocoa farmers to obtain certifications such as Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance, which promote sustainable agricultural practices and fair livelihoods. Africao can work closely with farmers to meet the requirements of these standards and help them access certification programs.
Thirdly, farmer support and capacity building. Africao could invest in programs that provide training, technical assistance, and resources to cocoa farmers. By supporting its knowledge and capacity development, the company can help farmers improve productivity, adopt sustainable agricultural practices, and enhance their livelihoods.
Fourthly, supply chain traceability. Africao could contribute to enhancing transparency and traceability in the cocoa supply chain. By implementing systems to track and verify the origin of cocoa beans, the company can ensure that sustainable practices are followed, reduce the risk of child labour and deforestation, and promote ethical sourcing.