Protecting forests and sustaining livelihoods

What is agroforestry?

An agronomic tool generally defined as a land management system that combines perennial trees with agricultural crops or animals to generate both ecological and economic benefits. In the context of cocoa production, agroforestry typically involves a combination of cocoa trees, non-cocoa trees that provide shade and other benefits, and other agricultural plants that produce fruit, nuts or timber. The goals are to intensify cocoa production on existing farmland, supplement farmer income and family nutrition, and strengthen the overall ecology. Agroforestry, however, is not the same as restoration of natural forests and there is no substitute for conserving existing forests.

What is traceability?

Traceability in the cocoa industry refers to the ability to track and trace the cocoa from the farm to where it enters the supply chain. It involves documenting and recording the flow of goods, information, and processes to ensure transparency and accountability. This helps identify and address sustainability issues, such as deforestation and social challenges, throughout the entire production process.