The project works with isolated communities located on small islands in the Pacific Rim of Fire heavily affected by Climate Change. The project will provide a sustainable livelihood for over 1,000 farmers, assisting over 5,000 men, women and children. Ni-Vanuatu cocoa growers are facing serious challenges to make an income to cover daily expenses and pay for school fees for their children. The project will train them to upgrade product quality and yield and will give them access to market.
Farmers and smallholders in Vanuatu produce an average of 1,000 tons of cocoa per year. Cocoa is the 4th largest commodity exported and generates income for about 9,000 households involved in cocoa production. As elsewhere in the region, cocoa producers in Vanuatu are struggling to link with international markets and find outputs for their production. Minimum volumes required for export (13t/container) and absence of local processing facility are the main barriers.
By implementing a chocolate factory ACTIV will create a local market for cocoa growers. In the meantime, ACTIV will provide trade facilitating support and help the growers to regroup in cooperatives and combine their production to match the minimum volumes for international export. The chocolate factory will create a sustainable stream of income managed by the NGO towards cocoa growers communities, and create visibility and an identity for Vanuatu cocoa and chocolate.
On the long run, the communities will benefit from an increased visibility and demand for cocoa from Vanuatu, translating into additional incomes. With the support of ACTIV, the cocoa growers are learning simple but efficient practice to improve the quality and quantity of cocoa produced. Revenues are expected to grow by 30% to 50% and stretch over the year beyond harvesting seasons, allowing to afford scholarship and improve their livelihood with access to vital services, water and electricity.
