When Forests Inspire the Future of Agriculture Through Agroforestry: A Winning Partnership Between Agriculture and Nature

The RIFOP project is based on an integrated, household-centered approach aimed at reconciling economic development with the conservation of natural resources. Specifically, it aims to:

• Develop sustainable agroforestry cocoa production with the goal of increasing cocoa productivity by at least 25%.
• Support women in the processing and marketing of roasted cocoa beans, thereby strengthening their economic autonomy.
• Halve land clearing in agroforests through an operational monitoring and detection system designed to curb this practice.
• Increase the number of trees on agricultural plots by 50% through reforestation efforts and regular monitoring.

NOTE:

Today, Africa produces nearly 70% of the world’s cocoa, and more than 80% of this production comes from small family farms ranging from 1 to 5 hectares. In this context, sustainably improving agricultural practices is a key lever in the fight against deforestation.

The project is notably exemplified by the “Pure Odzala” cocoa strategy developed in partnership with Odzala-Kokoua National Park (PNOK) in the Republic of the Congo.

In response to growing global demand for sustainable and traceable cocoa, this project enables the establishment of a premium, traceable cocoa supply chain under the “Pure Odzala” brand—a rigorous and value-adding label. This label emphasizes quality, traceability, and environmental responsibility. Among other things, it guarantees sustainable chocolate production from cocoa farms managed by households living around Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the Republic of the Congo.

Agroforestry—which combines trees and crops—offers a concrete solution to environmental and economic challenges here. As a result, the supply chain generates higher incomes for producers, thereby reducing economic risks while strengthening the protection of the National Park and limiting deforestation caused by cocoa production and the illegal and unsustainable exploitation of natural resources.

Supporting Odzala cocoa means improving livelihoods, contributing to climate change mitigation, and preventing further deforestation. This is crucial in the vicinity of a national park with high conservation value.

By 2025, 42 cocoa farmers who owned their own fields across six villages north of the PNOK were participating in this initiative, demonstrating the model’s potential at the local level. 

By supporting the development of agroforestry cocoa, the FFEM helps improve communities’ livelihoods while contributing to climate change mitigation. By strengthening households’ role in sustainable land management, the project promotes local ownership of forest conservation issues.

Agroforestry is emerging today as a solution for the future. Sustainable, productive, and ecosystem-friendly, it allows for the reconciliation of agricultural production and environmental protection. By fully integrating trees into agricultural systems, it enhances biodiversity, improves soil health, contributes to carbon sequestration, and diversifies producers’ sources of income.

This model demonstrates that it is possible to combine economic development with the preservation of natural resources. It paves the way for more resilient agricultural systems capable of responding to climate challenges while ensuring sustainable incomes for producers.