Better Cotton To Support 200,000 Farmers In Côte d’Ivoire
Better Cotton has started a new programme in the West African country of Côte d’Ivoire and committed to support 200,000 domestic cotton farmers in its first five years.
The new field-level programme will offer training and resources to farming communities across the country, a first step towards helping them produce more sustainable cotton.
The Professional Association of Cotton Companies of Côte d’Ivoire (APROCOT-CI) will serve as Better Cotton’s Strategic Partner for Côte d’Ivoire.
APROCOT-CI will oversee efforts to improve the climate resilience and economic outlook of farming communities.
APROCOT-CI represents the interests of cotton companies across the country, from farms to gins, and comprises six member organisations.
These organisations will serve as Better Cotton Programme Partners, providing training and resources to cotton communities to enable social and environmental improvements.
“The partnership underscores our organisations’ commitment to create an impact in the cotton industry, with a focus on improving livelihoods of smallholder farmers,” Better Cotton said in a press release.
“By integrating Better Cotton’s sustainable farming practices and APROCOT-CI’s local expertise, we aim to enhance cotton yields and improve social and economic outcomes for farmers in the region,” it added.
APROCOT-CI submitted a declaration of interest to Better Cotton last year, outlining national interest in starting a Better Cotton programme.
In March this year, Better Cotton hosted a multi-stakeholder event in the city of Abidjan to understand the scope for impact, ahead of starting a programme.
“Opening a new programme in Côte d’Ivoire is an exciting step as Better Cotton bolsters its presence across the continent,” Alan McClay, Chief Executive Officer at Better Cotton said.
“Our partnership with APROCOT-CI will be fundamental to the delivery of our work in the country, helping cotton farmers to reap economic rewards of more sustainable cotton production,” McClay also added.
