Identificación y selección de los instrumentos e incentivos aplicables a las diferentes fases de la cadena de valor de cacao bajo en emisiones en Caquetá y Cesar

The report addresses the barriers and needs in the cocoa sector in the Colombian departments of Cesar and Caqueta. Based on information collected in the SLUS project, interviews, surveys, and focus groups were analyzed to obtain information from various actors in the cocoa chain. In Cesar, an increase in cocoa crops was identified, especially challenging for small producers, with credits of 12 million per hectare for new planting. In Caquetá, the outlook for credit allocation was mixed, with constraints such as a lack of awareness by producers. Financial barriers included unadapted credit requirements and a preference for livestock projects over agroforestry systems. Focus groups highlighted the need for financing for sustainable practices and environmental regulations, identifying barriers such as individual cocoa profitability and restrictions in protected areas. It is recommended to combine financial instruments, package investments, validate and scale programs, and promote collaboration between entities.
This work highlights the importance of an integrated approach that combines financial support, capacity building, and sustainable practices in cocoa production. Recommendations include the combination of credit and subsidies, the design of smallholder programs, and the validation and expansion of financial instruments. It emphasizes collaboration between entities and the need to build long-term projects, seeking public-private partnerships to overcome the barriers identified in adopting low-carbon cocoa systems.