Detail

Production increase can occur through both biodiversity-enhancing measures (such as pruning, gradual replacement of old trees with high-quality seedlings, etc.) or at the expense of biodiversity, such as replacing other trees or any open surface with cocoa trees. The consequence of the latter is monoculture, leading to vulnerability to pests, diseases and  various climate impacts. This, in turn, results in increased pesticide usage, loss of biodiversity, and a decline in the overall resilience of the system.

This project will ensure that the mid- and long-term development of the local cocoa value chain will strengthen biodiversity. Both the biodiversity within cocoa and the biodiversity of the cocoa production system will be maintained, while also increasing the income diversity of cocoa producers. Consequently, the cocoa sector of the Dominican Republic will become robust and resilient against a broad range of potential threats.

Within the project, firstly, a group of technicians is sent out from the smallholder organisation FUNDOPO to a two-week training on state-of-the-art cocoa agroforestry in Bolivia, organised by FiBL. Second, ensure knowledge transfer through an existing series of members' workshops with cocoa farmers. Third, support the selection of trees to be systematically included in cocoa agroforestry plantations within the context of the Dominican Republic, including fruit trees, timber trees, nitrogen fixation trees, and trees with other particular value (crop).

Furthermore, inform producers interested in the production of timber alongside cocoa about the administrative measures required to comply with Dominican forestry law. Document and select particularly valuable cocoa trees (known as "Súperarboles") among the members of FUNDOPO.

In addition, complement the seedling's production of FUNDOPO with additional trees (Súperarboles). Currently, FUNDOPO’s clonal garden and seedlings production station produces cocoa seedlings from a dozen imported high-quality cocoa breeds. Their offer will be expanded by adding fruit trees, timber trees (if suitable in terms of logistics), nitrogen fixation trees, trees with other particular value (crop), and seedlings of local "Súperarboles", available for members at cost price, along with the respective know-how.

Finally, support the establishment of family gardens in the local communities through knowledge transfer workshops and the provision of materials such as seeds and fences.

Several aspects of this project are innovative: Firstly, its preventive character: Currently, most of FUNDOPO’s producers’ plots are scarcely maintained with cocoa trees. Although biodiversity is high, there is also significant potential for increasing yields, particularly as the demand for organic cocoa is substantial. Therefore, it is important to implement measures to increase yields while maintaining high biodiversity and system resilience.

Technically, two aspects of the project are entirely new in the Dominican Republic: Firstly, the production of timber within cocoa plantations: The Dominican forestry law is stringent, but it allows this kind of timber production if documented and executed correctly. This generates additional, very long-term revenues for producers while providing a valuable canopy for biodiversity. Secondly, the propagation of local cocoa cultivars: The Dominican Republic possesses a relatively old cocoa population, resulting in a diverse genetic pool. This project aims to identify and propagate particularly valuable local cocoa breeds in the seedlings production centre.

The project aims at overall diversification, with income diversification playing an important role. Specifically, through the creation of family gardens, the project focuses on women’s empowerment by generating additional income. Traditionally, tending to the garden is work undertaken by women.

Currently, approximately 15% of the members of the producer organisation FUNDOPO are female cocoa farmers. However, among the technical staff members of the producer’s organisation, one-third are women who hold the same responsibilities and opportunities as their male colleagues.

FUNDOPO owns the clonal garden and plant production facility. Over the past two years, there has been a noticeable increase in demand from members for high-quality tree seedlings. By granting farmers access to the latest know-how in organic cocoa growing methods and supporting them through training and the internal control system of organic certification, the survival rate of the provided trees is maximised.

Given that this project creates a win-win situation for all parties involved, we view it as a starting point for an adapted new standard that can be adopted in other areas.