Contributing to sustainable development and social well-being of rural communities in Côte d’Ivoire
Main areas of work
Farm productivity and crop management
Technical assistance and training
Environmental
management
Verification services
Good agricultural practices
It all started 10 years ago
For a decade, we have been working is working with stakeholders like cooperatives, farmers, and exporters to help them move forward with their goals and challenges on paths like sustainable farming practices, biodiversity protection, and yield improvement for better living conditions.
Our clients are farmers groups living in rural communities, exporters who commit to helping farmers and cooperatives, and international NGOs implementing projects in Côte d’Ivoire, with whom we develop positive partnerships.
CEFCA provides different services like training and support to farmers, cooperatives, and communities. We apply a very didactical approach and different methodologies and materials to sensitize and train on crucial challenges like ecosystems conservation, soil protection, child labor, waste management, proper use of fertilizers, etc.
The essence of our work, and what makes us different, is participation. We make our projects participative. We include farmers, communities, and cooperatives in each step, both planning and implementation. In that way, they feel important and increase their involvement in conducted activities. Our clients trust us because of our expertise and vast experience. We have worked many years in different situations and broad areas. The knowledge we got is shared and usefully used in every activity we lead.
CEFCA pays attention to his client’s needs and is always ready to include their input in the development of a strategy. The involvement of our clients in every project is vital for our success. We enjoy working with businesses and organizations that are committed to sustainable production, are open to innovation and willing to listen to expert advice.
CEFCA Mission
To contribute to the sustainable development and social welfare of rural communities. CEFCA works primarily with cocoa and coffee farmers to preserve biodiversity and sustainable livelihoods by transforming land management practices. We also promote agricultural practices that protect natural resources and help rural communities improve their living conditions.
Values
Quality of work
Technical rigor
Experience
Commitment
Proactivity
Our team
CEFCA’s founder, Melanie BAYO, has been working on sustainable agriculture since 2004. For the last 10 years, she has been involved in training in Côte d'Ivoire and Francophone Africa; supporting producer groups and helping them to adopt sustainable production techniques that improve productivity and economic conditions of rural communities
She started in organic production before supporting voluntary standards field implementation. Melanie has worked as an auditor for certification schemes like Rainforest Alliance, Utz, and Fairtrade.
CEFCA technical staff is composed of ten persons (agronomists and environment technicians). Their role is to support and train farmers and communities on agricultural and sustainable practices. The technicians live in areas where projects and activities are implemented. In that way, they can visit as much as possible groups and farmers to keep a fluid interaction with them.
Our projects
DARWIN
Empowering Ivorian communities to conserve biodiversity and improve their livelihoods
CEPF
Strengthen Ivorian Cocoa Stakeholder Landscape Management Capacity to Foster Conservation
NESCAFE PLAN
Rejuvenating coffee farms and enabling sustainable green coffee production
