Summary
The 2023 report from the Cocoa and Forest Initiative (CFI) focuses on the goals of forest protection and sustainable cocoa production in Côte d’Ivoire. The initiative involved collaboration among government entities, the private sector, and NGOs. The authors illustrate significant advancements in forest conservation and reforestation, including the distribution of forest seedlings to cocoa farmers and the implementation of a unified national traceability system, which now allows 82% of cocoa in the supply chain to be traced. The report also emphasises the importance of training programmes for cocoa farmers on sustainable agricultural practices, as well as economic and social initiatives designed to diversify income sources and improve climate resilience, particularly for women and youth. The CFI recommends ongoing support and investment in sustainable practices to further enhance farmers’ livelihoods while ensuring the protection of the environment.