By Simeon Shodimu
As part of efforts to enhance value addition and global competitiveness, the Cocoa and Coffee Farmers Alliance Association of Africa has unveiled a three-year development plan aimed at boosting cocoa and coffee production across the continent and improving the livelihoods of farmers.
The plan is geared towards strengthening agricultural output, enhance value chains, and promote sustainable farming practices among cocoa and coffee producers in Africa.
Speaking at a webinar recently, the Global President of the Cocoa and Coffee Farmers Alliance Association of Africa, Adeola Adegoke, said the initiative will focus on improving access to modern farming techniques, quality seedlings, and financial support systems for farmers in the sector.
Concerning the implementation timeline for the plan, he said the first phase would involve establishing governance structures, mobilising funding, and unveiling GPS mapping by the second quarter of 2026.
For the second phase, he noted plans to roll out GPS training, income diversification pilots, and capacity building for up to 60 per cent of members by the end of 2027.
He added that the third phase will involve implementing a digital traceability system, completing EUDR compliance mapping, and conducting the first full internal EUDR compliance audit to identify gaps and provide targeted remediation support.
“For the fifth phase, we will expand all six programmes to full membership, host a regional pricing summit, unveil a youth council, and conduct a comprehensive impact evaluation measuring income gains, GAP adoption rates, EUDR audit results, and youth targets,” he said.
He also noted that capacity building will remain a key pillar of the strategy, with training programmes planned to equip farmers with the knowledge and skills needed to increase productivity and improve quality.
According to the group, the three-year roadmap will also encourage stronger collaboration with governments, cooperatives, and private sector partners to address challenges such as low yields, poor infrastructure, and limited access to markets.
The association expressed confidence that the plan would help transform cocoa and coffee farming into a more sustainable and profitable sector, while boosting Africa’s competitiveness in the global market.
It added that the initiative reflects its broader commitment to empowering farmers and driving long-term agricultural development across cocoa and coffee-producing regions on the continent.
