As Deputy Secretary of the Women’s Association at her co-operative, Amani Adèle Yao leads a growing group of women who are reshaping their roles in cocoa farming and household decision-making. ‘[Through] Fairtrade, our husbands gave us plots of land,’ she says. ‘Now we have become more independent.’ This shift has meant that women can take on new responsibilities and contribute more directly to their households.

Where once ‘we tended to believe that in the absence of men, nothing was possible,’ as Amani puts it, women in her group are now earning more income through growing cassava, yams, peanuts, and beans, and their work is valued both in the fields and at home. However, the progress Amani describes is not just about income, but about women having a stronger voice and a more active role in shaping their families’ and community’s future.

The Power of Fairtrade Premium and Training

The Fairtrade Premium – an extra sum of money paid on top of the selling price – that Amani receives after selling her cocoa has been transformative. ‘The [Fairtrade Premium funds] we receive after selling our cocoa are a big help. Before their arrival, our resources were running out. These bonuses allow us to cover unexpected expenses, such as medical care or children’s school fees,’ Amani explains. 

Beyond the Fairtrade Premium, Amani has also participated in leadership and financial training through the Fairtrade network based in Africa, which she says has changed her outlook: ‘The training courses we have followed, notably those from Fairtrade Africa on female leadership, have considerably changed our vision of things. From now on, I am more savvy with my money. I learned to save part of my income.’ This new financial confidence – and independence – means Amani can better support her children’s education and help cover household costs, ensuring greater stability for her family.

Organic Farming: A New Approach

Amani’s story is also one of adapting and improving farming practices. ‘These training courses have also influenced our agricultural practices, particularly in favour of organic farming. By ditching chemicals, we have seen a significant improvement in our crops. Organic guarantees better safety and increases the quality of our harvests, particularly for cocoa and coffee.’

Amani describes the practical benefits which have made cocoa farming more manageable for her, while improving the quality of her cocoa: ‘Organic farming has transformed our practices… the cocoa produced is of better quality and the pods no longer stick, which makes harvesting easier.’

Amani reflects proudly on the difference she’s seen: ‘Previously, with chemicals, our pods were often difficult to open. With organic, this situation has greatly improved. The pods are more beautiful and so are the cocoa beans.’

Amani’s passion for organic farming has also inspired others in her community to adopt more sustainable practices, reflecting a new generation of farmers – increasingly women – who are both innovative and more environmentally conscious.

Investing in the Community 

The impact of Fairtrade at ECAKOOG goes far beyond individual households. The co-operative now operates across six regions of Côte d’Ivoire, with a vision to expand even further. The Fairtrade Premium has been used to invest in essential infrastructure for the community, such as building and repairing schools after storms and constructing additional classrooms to ensure every child has a safe place to learn. ‘The financial assistance received, notably [the Premium], greatly contributed to this project,’ says the chairman, Ousmane Traoré.

Access to clean water is another area where the co-operative has made a real difference. ‘The women of the community, who help with the production of cocoa in the fields, often find themselves obliged to draw water late, after having finished their tasks, which tires them considerably,’ Ousmane explains. With funding from the Fairtrade Premium, ECAKOOG has drilled new boreholes in several villages, making it easier for women to collect safe water and improving the health and well-being of their families.

Yet, challenges remain: land scarcity, especially for young people and women, and the unpredictable effects of climate change, which have reduced cocoa yields and made planning more difficult. In response, ECAKOOG has partnered with organisations to plant shade trees and promote climate-smart agriculture, demonstrating that resilience and innovation go hand in hand.

A Movement for a Fairer Future

As more women gain access to land and leadership opportunities, they are not only improving their own lives but also shaping the future of their communities. The co-operative’s efforts to secure clean water, invest in education, and adapt to climate change are all part of a broader movement – one where women like Amani are increasingly at the forefront.