Case Study

Traceability systems and organic certification strengthen Amazon smallholder cacao cooperatives, boosting incomes and sustainable market access

author(s)

Ivanova, Yovita

themes
  • Multifunctional landscapes
regions
  • Colombia
  • Ecuador
  • Peru
original file download
full citation

Ivanova, Y.; Paredes, D.; Parra, E.; Leon, V.; Burbon, R.; Balmisse, S. (2026) Traceability systems and organic certification strengthen Amazon smallholder cacao cooperatives, boosting incomes and sustainable market access. Study LAC-2571. Rome (Italy): Bioversity International; Cali (Colombia): International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT). 3 p.

Between 2021 and 2025, the Agroecological Regenerative Cocoa (ARC) project strengthened cacao cooperatives in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru through partnerships with Kaoka (France) and development organizations. It improved governance, certification, traceability, and production quality. The initiative delivered higher productivity, incomes, and export performance while supporting compliance with sustainability, climate, and deforestation-free trade requirements.