A new initiative, AgriRise, has been launched to offer lasting solutions to these challenges. Over the next three years, the project will work with 5,000 smallholder food crop producers, including 3,000 women and 1,000 youth. The goal is to strengthen these smallholders’ resilience and accelerate the transition toward regenerative and climate-smart agriculture, while improving access to markets and inclusive financial services.
The launch event brought together government officials, agriculture institutions and representatives of producer groups, marking a major step toward a more sustainable and inclusive agricultural future in Côte d’Ivoire.
“The project is a major opportunity to strengthen the capacity of our producers and improve food security in our communities. It is an investment in the future that empowers our women and youth to become active drivers of change in the agricultural sector”
Naminata Oyondé Traoré, Second Deputy Mayor of Daloa Municipality
Strengthening Resilience Through Regenerative Practices
Running from 2025 to 2028, the project focuses on three key areas:
- Promoting the adoption of sustainable and regenerative farming practices
- Developing eco-responsible value chains and improving market access
- Supporting the economic empowerment of women and youth through financial inclusion and entrepreneurship training
“By supporting farmers to adopt practices that regenerate their soils, manage water more efficiently, and diversify income sources, we will improve productivity and help communities adapt to climate shocks. Our ambition is to build a sustainable food system that benefits everyone, producers, communities, and nature”
Noëlle Yapi, programme manager for Food Crops at Solidaridad
Through a series of training sessions and field demonstrations, farmers will learn to restore soil fertility using organic inputs, crop rotation and composting. In the long term, these practices will help them reach markets that reward sustainable production.
A Strategic Partnership for Impact
Funded by the Heineken Africa Foundation and implemented by Solidaridad West Africa, the AgriRise project reflects a shared vision of sustainable agricultural development in rural communities.
“We believe in the potential of smallholder farmers, especially women and youth, to lead the transformation toward sustainability. Through AgriRise, we want to help build strong, resilient, and innovative communities,” said Nadine Logba, Director of Legal and Corporate Affairs at Brassivoire, representing the Heineken Africa Foundation.
Support and Commitment from Local Authorities
Képo Emmanuel Gbei, representative of the Governor of Haut-Sassandra, reaffirmed the region’s readiness to support the initiative: “We are proud to support Solidaridad and its partners in this initiative.”
Laying the foundation for change
To kick-start the project, a working session was held with the beneficiary cooperatives. At this session, solutions were identified and designed to match local realities. This collaborative process will conclude with a memorandum of understanding defining the commitments of all partners.