CACAUICULTURA

Sustainable Cocao Farming in Rondônia

Rondônia, a state located in the west-central part of Brazil, is experiencing significant growth of its cocoa industry. With over 9,000 hectares of farmland spread across 47 municipalities, the cocoa plantations are primarily managed by small family farms. Producing around 5,100 tons of cacao annually, Rondônia has earned its place as Brazil’s fourth-largest cocoa producer. Most of the cocoa grown in Rondônia supplies major chocolate production centres in Bahia, São Paulo, and Espírito Santo. The region’s favourable climate and geography create perfect conditions for cocoa cultivation, with key municipalities such as Jaru, Ouro Preto, and Vale do Anari emerging as central hubs for production.

Cocoa farming in Rondônia has a rich history, beginning in the late 1970s with the introduction of commercial plantations. Since then, the industry has steadily grown, evolving into a key sector for both the local economy and the livelihoods of small-scale farmers. Many of these farmers depend heavily on cocoa as a primary income source. Over the years, the unique qualities of Amazonian cocoa have gained recognition in both national and international markets, especially as the global demand for sustainable, ethically sourced products continues to rise.

Rondônia’s cocoa industry is characterised by a diversity of farming systems. It ranges from small family-owned plots to larger commercial operations. This variety not only enriches the local economy but also provides vital income and employment to rural communities, helping to improve their quality of life.

Despite its growth and success, Rondônia’s cocoa industry still faces several significant challenges. One of the primary obstacles is the lack of adequate infrastructure, particularly in logistics, which limits market access for many farmers. Additionally, large chocolate companies purchase raw cocoa from the region but do not actively contribute to local development, leaving little added value for producers. This creates a disconnect between cocoa production and the economic benefits it brings to the region, limiting opportunities for further growth.

To address these challenges, the CacauiCultura project will work on promoting sustainable cocoa farming practices throughout Rondônia and enhance the long-term viability of cocoa farming by focusing on several key areas:

Sustainable Practices: One of the most pressing issues is the need for sustainable agricultural techniques that protect the soil, restore biodiversity, and ensure the long-term health of the ecosystem. The project will help farmers adopt sustainable farming methods that are crucial for the future of cocoa production in the region.

Economic Incentives: Cacao farmers in Rondônia often struggle to secure fair prices for their crops, sometimes leading to the abandonment of cocoa farming. The project aims to develop strategies that improve market access, increase product value, and create stable and sustainable income streams for farmers.

Community Resilience: Many rural families who rely on cocoa farming live in poor conditions with limited access to essential services. The project will implement initiatives to strengthen local economies and improve living standards, fostering greater community resilience and economic stability.

Empowering Women and Youth: The project also seeks to empower women and young people in cocoa farming. By promoting the inclusion of women in decision-making roles and encouraging youth to remain involved in agriculture, the project aims to create a more diverse and dynamic industry.

By addressing these challenges and focusing on inclusive, innovative, and sustainable practices, the project aims to create a stronger, more resilient ccocoa industry in Rondônia. It will not only benefit the farmers and their communities but also contribute to the broader goals of environmental conservation and economic development in the region.

The CacauiCultura project is funded under the European Union AL-INVEST Programme and runs until 2026. The CSCP implements the project together with Sebrae-RO, a branch of Brazil’s Small Business Support Service.