Agostoni Partnership - Uganda

UGANDA

The quality that changes

From the research of the best raw material and from solid and lasting relationships with the cocoa farmers, the real journey of cocoa begins, the heart of Agostoni chocolate

Uganda: high ground cocoa

The direct control of ICAM in Uganda has made it possible to enhance the intrinsic quality of the high ground cocoa, the essence of Africa, by processing it fresh in the harvesting center.

The Challenges FRAGMENTED LAND OWNERSHIP

In Uganda, the farmers have small plots available and, after collecting the cocoa pods and separating the beans, they proceed with the fermentation and drying of the beans directly in their homes.

HAZARDOUS CONDITION

The farmers are exposed to a high risk of loss of the crop: thefts and adverse climate conditions during the processing phase can damage large quantities (up to 30%) of collected cocoa.

LOW PRODUCT QUALITY

Considerable inconvenience for family life and negative results on the quality of the product were of order, with a reduction in the sale price and consequently on the family income

ICAM’S Strategy In 2010 ICAM, in order to export its wealth of knowledge and experience in the heart of Africa and carry out an important development project in the area, decided to found its own company in Uganda, the ICAM Chocolate Uganda Ltd. ICAM built in Bundibugyo a center with 5 fermentation areas, 10 drying areas and offices, for the processing of fresh cocoa collected by farmers following modern processing methods. In 2020 ICAM opened two new smaller centers in Mukono and in Hoima (remote areas) to help develop new cocoa hotspots in Uganda

Investment in trainings The company offered support to local farmers by training them on modern agronomic techniques that would allow the increase of the crop’s yield and, therefore, an improvement in the profitability of the plantations. The agricultural technicians of ICAM Chocolate Uganda and the Ugandan farmers were guided in the first fermentation tests by Italian and Dominican specialists, who taught them the necessary know-how and the best cocoa processing techniques.

AVAILABILITY OF SEEDS ICAM has also started a collaborative project with local nurserymen and government authorities to facilitate the availability of seeds and equipment to grow new plants.

During 2020 ICAM distributed around 5000 cocoa seedlings in Bundibugyo and 185000 in West Nile, with the long-term goal of increasing not only the productivity of cocoa plantation but, above all, of contributing to the reforestation of the same areas of the Country.

TRAINING COURSES In 2019 ICAM organized 7 Farmer Field School training courses for local staff and farmers.

These courses, which were free of charge, had the objective of conveying the necessary knowledge and tools to improve the quality of the cocoa produced, raise farmers’ awareness toward an environmentally-friendly agronomic and biological management and, finally, increase the sense of empowerment of small farmers who supply cocoa to ICAM. During 2020 3000 farmers had been trained.

Achievements The farmers obtained tangible, relevant and lasting results: • Since 2018 ICAM contributed to the distribution of 430.000 cocoa seedlings; • In 2020, 2,296 certified bio farmers sold cocoa to ICAM; • Farmers are no longer burdened with the fermentation and drying phases, with a considerable saving of time; • The cocoa processing phase are characterized by a lower risk of loss of the crop; • Growers acquire more skills on correct agricultural practices, thus obtaining a superior quality product, which can be sold at the best local price.

• ICAM organizes periodic training courses for farmers

Long term impact and organic certification These improvements have had a positive impact on the local community. The results obtained allowed farmers and their families to improve their standard of living and quality of life, also thanks to the construction of new schools and infrastructures.

From 2017, Bundibugyo’s cocoa received the organic certification.

www.agostonichocolate.com fsirelli@agostonichocolate.com 8616 La Tijera Boulevard 90045, Los Angeles 213.261.0057 Ext. 302