CACAUICULTURA

Sustainable Cocao Farming in Rondônia

Rondônia, a state located in the west-central part of Brazil, is experiencing significant growth of its cacao industry. With over 9,000 hectares of farmland spread across 47 municipalities, the cacao 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 cacao producer. Most of the cacao 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 cacao cultivation, with key municipalities such as Jaru, Ouro Preto, and Vale do Anari emerging as central hubs for production.

Cacao 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 cacao as a primary income source. Over the years, the unique qualities of Amazonian cacao have gained recognition in both national and international markets, especially as the global demand for sustainable, ethically sourced products continues to rise.

Rondônia’s cacao 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 cacao 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 cacao from the region but do not actively contribute to local development, leaving little added value for producers. This creates a disconnect between cacao 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 cacao farming practices throughout Rondônia and enhance the long-term viability of cacao 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 cacao 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 cacao 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 cacao 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 cacao 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 cacao 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 xx. The CSCP implements the project together with Sebrae-RO, a branch of Brazil’s Small Business Support Service.