October 27, 2011
New Project Won: Vietnam—Sustainable Cocoa for Farmers
ACDI/VOCA has won a $1.6 million cooperative agreement from USAID to implement the Sustainable Cocoa for Farmers project in Vietnam. This 30-month Farmer-to-Farmer associate award, which will build on the achievements of ACDI/VOCA’s SUCCESS Alliance project in Vietnam, will improve the economic well-being of Vietnamese smallholder farmers by developing a socially, economically and environmentally sustainable cocoa industry.
Cocoa Offers Economic Promise for Farmers
Vietnam has made significant strides in reducing poverty from 37.4 percent in 1998 to 14.5 percent in 2008 (World Bank). However, more work remains to be done, especially in rural areas and with marginalized groups.
Cocoa in particular represents an opportunity for farmers in rural areas to increase incomes. Projections show global demand for cocoa still outstripping production. With the increasing trend toward specialty markets paying higher prices for better quality, a niche market opportunity is available for Vietnamese farmers.
Focus on Sustainability and Quality
Through the new project, ACDI/VOCA and the Vietnam Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (DARD) will work with local cocoa farmers, nursery owners and fermentary operators in eight districts in Dak Lak and Lam Dong provinces. The project will
- increase the volume of sustainably produced cocoa in Vietnam
- ensure quality at all levels of the cocoa value chain
- transfer the cocoa development approach to local institutions by enhancing capacity
The project will work with actors in all levels of the cocoa value chain. It will include farmer training on good agricultural practices and post-harvest handling, as well as cocoa nursery support to increase farmers’ access to high-quality cocoa seedlings. It will also establish business service centers and partner with local organizations and institutions to strengthen the quality of Vietnamese cocoa.
Learn more about ACDI/VOCA’s work in Vietnam.
