Deforestation-free supply chains: Agroforestry systems for smallholders in cocoa cultivation

The cultivation of fine flavoured cocoa for export is one of the most important sources of income for small producers in Ecuador. However, not all smallholder cooperatives have adequate traceability systems or specialised knowledge of the EU Regulation on Deforestation Free Products (EUDR). This could lead to a loss of preferential access to the European market. The project contributes to the conservation of areas of high biodiversity value and to the creation and safeguarding of income for smallholder families. To this end, capacities are being built in four cooperatives to fulfil the requirements of the new regulation and to consolidate trade relations with buyers in the EU. In addition, agroforestry systems are being promoted and a system for vegetation and traceability is being developed. An appropriate multiplier effect is ensured through the integration of the project into the provincial coordination bodies for a sustainable cocoa supply chain.