COLEAD’s first development project in São Tomé and Príncipe (coco value chain)

COLEAD’s first development project in São Tomé and Príncipe (coco value chain).

Following a meeting with VALUDO at Biofach, COLEAD received its first application for support from São Tomé and Príncipe through the FFM+ programme in 2023. This project is an important step for COLEAD in its commitment to support sustainable agri-food systems in ACP (Africa, Caribbean and Pacific) countries.

Following a Sustainability Assessment (SAS) to identify key challenges and gaps, a tailor-made action plan was developed to benefit VALUDO staff and outgrowers and have a significant impact on coconut production and quality on the island.

The first planned action is to establish an internal capacity building system within VALUDO. This project will involve an expert from the Ivory Coast. The system is designed to improve the skills of staff and producers, with a view to more efficient and higher quality production.

São Tomé and Príncipe is a small, low-middle-income island developing state comprising two main islands and four islets in the Gulf of Guinea, 350 km off the west coast of Africa. It has a population of about 197,900 and is a Portuguese-speaking country. The economy is mainly based on the export of cocoa, coffee and palm oil, with a growing tourism sector. In 2012, the entire island of Príncipe and its surrounding waters were designated by UNESCO as a Man and Biosphere Reserve to promote sustainable development. In 2016, 13.8% of São Tomé and Príncipe’s agricultural land was devoted to organic farming, the highest proportion in Africa and the fifth highest in the world. Organic cocoa is the main product, accounting for 95% of exports.

VALUDO LIMITADA, founded in 2017, operates in the coconut value chain, producing coconut oil (50% for the food industry and 50% for cosmetics), shredded coconut and coconut flour. The company sources 100% of its coconuts from 600 outgrowers and collectors who harvest both from their own plantations and in the wild. The company employs 80 permanent staff and holds several certifications including Fair for Life, BIO EU, BIO FR, USDA Organic, BIOSUISSE, Vegan and AgriCert.

VALUDO operates all year round and uses a variety of coconuts from wild plantations. Packaging and storage facilities are located in Belgium and exports are mainly to the European Union and the United States. The company plans to extend its activities to Togo and competes mainly with Asian suppliers.

Activities planned by COLEAD under the FFM+ programme

• Internal capacity building through the establishment of a capacity building system for VALUDO staff.
• Training and coaching of staff and producers in organic coconut farming
• Management training for VALUDO producer managers
• Hygiene and traceability training followed by post-training support
• Access to targeted tutored group courses on topics such as organic farming, market access and human resources.

This ambitious project aims to strengthen the sustainability of coconut production in São Tomé and Príncipe by providing technical support and training to local stakeholders to improve their production and access new markets.

This activity is supported by the Fit For Market Plus (FFM+) programme, implemented by COLEAD within the Framework of Development Cooperation between the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and the European Union. This publication receives financial support from the European Union and the OACPS. The content of this publication is the sole responsibility of COLEAD and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union or the OACPS.