For many women cocoa farmers in cocoa-growing communities, such as Kouibly and Bangolo in western Côte d’Ivoire, financial independence remains a distant goal. Most families rely solely on cocoa, and seasonal fluctuations make incomes unpredictable. These factors can limit women’s ability to invest in their farms, support their children’s education or explore alternative sources of income.
To address these challenges, Solidaridad West Africa, with support from Albrecht & Dill GmbH, has established and strengthened Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs). These associations provide women with access to financial services and the tools needed for alternative income-generating activities.
Savings as a Lever for Change
Through the Climate-Smart Cocoa project, which supports small-scale cocoa producers in the Guémon and Marahoué regions to develop a sustainable and inclusive value chain, 16 Village Savings and Loan Associations have been established. These associations consist of 353 women and 127 men, all of whom have received training in financial management and income-generating activities.
In December 2025, the women received agricultural materials and equipment. These included tricycles, food processing machinery, livestock supplies and a range of tools. These resources supported them in starting small-scale businesses such as vegetable gardening, poultry rearing or handicraft production to supplement their income.
A commitment that goes beyond words
The distribution event brought together chiefs, cooperative leaders and VSLA members. It served as a platform to share best practices, strengthen community cohesion and mobilize local support for women’s initiatives.
“By equipping the Village Savings and Loan Associations, we directly support the economic resilience of families and strengthen an inclusive and climate-smart cocoa value chain,” says Olive M’Bahia, Country Representative for Solidaridad in Côte d’Ivoire. “When women have the necessary tools and training, it’s not just their daily lives that change, but the entire community moves forward.”
For Albrecht & Dill GmbH, the approach reflects a long-term vision. “For us, sustainability is not limited to certification. It’s about supporting the families who produce our cocoa and investing in their economic stability,” shares Salimata Ba, Representative, Albrecht & Dill GmbH.
Tools paving the way to independence
For the women involved, these resources represent much more than just equipment – they offer a pathway to greater financial independence and reduced reliance on the cocoa harvest alone.
“Before, we solely depended on cocoa. Now, we have alternative activities that we can earn from all year round. This will improve our lives and that of our dependants.”
Die Aimee, President of the Mohan of Beoue VSLA.
The project is implemented by Solidaridad in partnership with the Société de Commercialisation du Café et du Cacao (S3C), with funding from the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through the DeveloPPP programme and Albrecht & Dill.
By 2027, the project aims to strengthen climate resilience, improve natural resource management and create new economic opportunities for rural communities.