Ivory Coast, one of the world’s leading cocoa producers, relies heavily on the crop for its economy. Although the cocoa industry supports rural employment and contributes to exports, it has major environmental impacts, particularly on deforestation.
Deforestation: A Major Environmental Challenge
Deforestation threatens biodiversity, climate and local communities in Côte d’Ivoire. Formerly covered in tropical forests, Ivorian lands have seen their forest cover drastically reduced over the years, largely due to intensive agriculture, particularly cocoa.
Agroforestry: Towards Sustainable Agriculture
To respond to this problem, reforestation and agroforestry initiatives have emerged. Agroforestry, combining growing trees with agricultural crops, helps restore ecosystems while providing support to farmers.
Meeting with AGROMAP at the Ecomondo 2024 Show
VivAfrik had the opportunity to meet AGROMAP during the show Ecomondo 2024 in Italy. Founded three years after the Paris Agreement, this company has established itself as a major player in reforestation and agroforestry in Africa. Martinaise K. NVOUOdirector of partnerships at AGROMAP, explained that the company is engaging in reforestation projects in Côte d’Ivoire with the objective of restoring 20% of forests by 2030.
AGROMAP: Presence and Commitment in Africa
In addition to Côte d’Ivoire, AGROMAP is also active in Cameroonau Ghana and at Congo. It collaborates with local governments and farmers to implement sustainable and inclusive solutions. Small cocoa producers, in particular, benefit from these initiatives, involving them in environmentally friendly agricultural practices.
Achievements and Objectives
Since 2018, AGROMAP has planted more than 20 million trees through agroforestry and reforestation projects. Among its flagship projects, the company is working to restore 70,000 hectares of forestswhich would make it possible to capture more 35 million tonnes of CO2. According to M. NVOUOthis project is “very advanced” and aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) pour 2030.
