Promoting sustainable agriculture and empowering communities in Togo with Cajou Espoir

Promoting sustainable agriculture and empowering communities in Togo with Cajou Espoir

EDFI Management Company and COLEAD support Cajou Espoir’s innovative beekeeping project

In a notable advance for sustainable agriculture in Togo, EDFI Management Company (EDFI MC) has partnered with COLEAD to support beekeeping capacity of one of its investee companies Cajou Espoir, a Togolese company active organic cashew production. This collaboration, supported by technical expertise from COLEAD and co-financed by the EDFI MC AgrifFI initiative, exemplifies a shared commitment to environmental sustainability and community empowerment. AgriFI is an investment facility funded by the European Union and managed by EDFI MC, providing long-term financing in the agri-food value chain and forestry.

Cajou Espoir, a leading processor and exporter of organic and Fair-Trade certified cashews, has been a key player in Togo’s agricultural landscape for over 20 years. Employing over 700 people, the company processes 10% of the country’s annual cashew production, adding significant value to the local economy. However, recent climatic challenges and rising raw cashew nut prices have highlighted the need for innovative solutions to increase yields and ensure sustainability.

Beekeeping: A game changer for cashew production

The beekeeping capacity building, is co-funded by the European Union and supported through technical assistance from EDFI MC, focuses on improving pollination efficiency to increase cashew yields while promoting biodiversity. This project aims to support Cajou Espoir in expanding the installation of beehives, aligning its operations with its long-term vision of a fully organic production system.

“This project exemplifies our commitment to sustainable agriculture and support for smallholder farmers,” said Natalia Svarinska, Technical Assistance Specialist at EDFI MC. “Strengthening Cajou Espoir’s beekeeping capacity will improve yields in a way that is both innovative and ecologically sound.”

Transforming lives and communities

Beyond the agricultural benefits, the initiative is a cornerstone of community development. It supports the livelihoods of smallholder farmers, many of whom are transitioning to organic farming practices, and increases employment security throughout the value chain. By promoting resilience to climate change, this initiative sets a precedent for scalable and sustainable agricultural practices.

Jerome Poulin, Managing Director of Cajou Espoir, said: “Integrating beekeeping into our cashew production is key to achieving our sustainability goals. With the support of EDFI MC and COLEAD’s expertise, we are well positioned to become a leader in organic production in Togo”.

COLEAD’s role: Expertise in action

Within the EDFI Agrifi initiative, COLEAD’s contribution covers several dimensions:

• Strategic guidance to ensure alignment with international best practices.
• Development and implementation of a comprehensive apiculture training pathway.
• Conducting a market study to assess the scalability and economic potential of the initiative.

Looking ahead

As the project progresses over a 12-month cycle, results are expected to extend beyond Togo, providing a replicable model for similar agribusinesses in the region. It aligns seamlessly with EDFI MC’s mission to promote responsible business practices and COLEAD’s vision to empower farming communities worldwide.

For more information on how COLEAD is advancing sustainable agriculture through innovative partnerships, stay tuned to our newsletter and visit the COLEAD website.