- 25/03/2026
- Posted by: Sandra Borma
- Category: News
Cajou Espoir SA, a leader in cashew processing in Togo, launched a pioneering honey production project. The initiative aimed at improving cashew yields through modern apiculture techniques, diversifying the company’s revenue streams and creating lasting economic opportunities for local communities. The project aimed to serve as a foundation for rolling out best beekeeping practices to the small producers with whom Cajou Espoir works.
Recognizing the need for specialized expertise to attain the objectives, the company partnered with COLEAD (within the scope of the technical assistance collaboration agreement between EDFI MC -AgriFI and COLEAD). This collaboration aimed to address critical gaps in apiculture practices and unlock new economic opportunities.
The technical collaboration between Cajou Espoir and COLEAD, active from November 2024 to December 2025, began with a comprehensive diagnostic assessment.
The assessment revealed that Cajou Espoir’s apiculture practices faced significant challenges, including reliance on traditional methods, non-optimal hives, and limited technical knowledge. These constraints resulted in high colony losses and low productivity, highlighting the critical need for targeted intervention and capacity-building.
Through EU funded AgriFI technical assistance, managed by EDFI MC, COLEAD worked closely with Cajou Espoir to refine the project’s objectives, shifting the focus from overly ambitious production targets to realistic, sustainable goals. Instead of pursuing large-scale EU honey exports, the strategy prioritized local and sub-regional markets, where demand is strong and market entry more feasible. This approach ensured alignment with Cajou Espoir’s operational capacity and long-term vision.
A cornerstone of the project’s success was its practical, hands-on training program. COLEAD experts, supported by a complementary team of international and local honey specialists, established a “rucher école” (training apiary) and conducted four intensive training sessions. These sessions covered essential skills such as hive management, parasite control, and honey harvesting. Teams were also trained to produce standardized, high-quality hives, ensuring the project’s sustainability. To further support continuous learning, a WhatsApp group was created to facilitate real-time coaching and problem-solving during the project duration.
This initiative ensured that Cajou Espoir’s team could access ongoing guidance, reinforcing their newfound skills and fostering greater autonomy. By the end of the project, the involved teams gained confidence and independence in managing the hives, reducing their reliance on external support.
This project serves as a testament to the power of strategic partnerships in agrifood, demonstrating how targeted technical assistance, and the dedication of international and local experts – can diversify income, empower communities, and foster sustainable growth.
As Cajou Espoir continues to integrate apiculture into its operations, this initiative highlights the transformative impact of collaboration. COLEAD experts extend their gratitude to Cajou Espoir’s leadership for their commitment. Together, they have shown how innovative partnerships can drive productivity, resilience, and economic opportunity in agricultural communities.
About EDFI Management Company: EDFI Management Company (EDFI MC) is a multilaterally owned impact asset manager that delivers innovative development finance solutions. The company enables European DFIs, development banks, and private sector investors to increase the scale and impact of their work, focusing on business models, technologies, and geographies where other investors have not been able to operate at the desired scale.
About Cajou Espoir: Cajou Espoir is Togo’s leading processor of raw cashew nuts, playing a crucial role in the country’s cashew value chain. With a focus on sustainable practices, the company is organic / fairtrade certified and is committed to supporting local communities and enhancing livelihoods.
About COLEAD: COLEAD is a leading provider of technical assistance in sustainable agriculture, working with organizations worldwide to implement innovative and effective solutions for improved agricultural practices and rural development.
