Cacao for Development

As a key agricultural product of Colombia for both domestic consumption and export, cacao has the potential to forge peace in rural communities. However, environmental shocks and volatile prices mean farmers cannot earn a livable income through cacao production alone.

C4D is a US$25M investment funded by the United States Department of Agriculture that brings together government, NGOs and private sector allies to improve cocoa and complementary supply chains in Colombia. The project evolves around three verticals: Value Chain optimization, Living Income and Carbon capture by the cacao agroforestry system. We aim to increase productivity and livelihoods of the farmers by intervening in ways that promote sustainable business models and expand trade between the U.S. and Colombia.

5,455 Farmers estimated to be trained to diversify crops and improve agricultural productivity
57 Farmer organizations estimated to improve leadership capacity and marketing skills
77 Grants for farmer organizations, small businesses, young entrepreneurs, and researchers
4 Areas of operation: Magdalena and Cesar; Antioquia and Córdoba; Caldas, Tolima, and Huila; and Santander