Douala: WWF engages cocoa farmers for greener, sustainable future.

This commitment was made during the World Cocoa Day celebrations, held in Douala on September 30 and October 1. It brought together government officials, international partners, cocoa cooperatives, and sustainability advocates, to deliberate on how to make cocoa a true driver of both economic prosperity and environmental protection.

In his keynote address, Alain Ononino, Country Director of WWF Cameroon, set the tone for the event by urging stakeholders to see cocoa not merely as a commodity, but as a bridge between people and planet.

“World Cocoa Day is not just a celebration. It’s a moment to reflect on the essential role cocoa plays — as an economic resource, a guardian of our forests, and a symbol of shared responsibility for our future,” he said.

Ononino revealed that WWF’s initiatives in the cocoa sector have already led to the restoration of over 4,000 hectares of degraded land and a 15 percent reduction in chemical pesticide use, through training on biochar, agroforestry, and integrated pest management.

However, he warned that deforestation, illegal forest conversion, and climate change continue to threaten the sustainability of the sector.

“Our ambition is to make every cocoa bean in Cameroon a product of sustainability, grown with respect for nature, fairness, and human dignity,” he stressed. 

EU's Commitment to sustainable cocoa highlighted 

The occasion was also an avenue to highlight the commitment of the European Union Delegation to Cameroon, a key development partner in the country’s cocoa value chain in supporting sustainable agriculture.

In a statement, Jean Paul Nlend Nkot, Senior Cocoa expert, underscored that the bloc’s upcoming Deforestation Regulation, EUDR, will ensure cocoa entering European markets is traceable and forest-friendly.

“We want Cameroonian cocoa to remain competitive and respected globally,” he said. 

“That is why we continue to work hand-in-hand with government, civil society, and cooperatives to make sustainability the core of the cocoa economy,” Nkot added. 

Cocoa, it should be noted, contributes over 15% of Cameroon’s primary sector Gross Domestic Product, GDP, and remains the backbone of rural economies in the East, South, and Centre regions, providing income to thousands of smallholder farmers.

Experts took turn to expatiate on EU market access requirements, particularly the EUDR regulation, which mandates that cocoa exported to Europe must be deforestation-free and fully traceable.

They warned that failure to comply could limit Cameroon’s export competitiveness, urging stakeholders to align local standards with international sustainability benchmarks.

WWF officials announced ongoing collaborations with the Ministry of Environment, the Cocoa and Coffee Board, and farmer cooperatives to create a national traceability framework that will track every cocoa bean from farm to port.

Gov’t endorses ecological farming practices

A technical session led by Engineer Nguelo Colince from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development introduced participants to the principles of Integrated Pest Management, IPM, an environmentally sensitive approach that minimises chemical inputs.

He emphasised that effective pest control is not about extermination but balance.

“Farmers must observe their plantations, use healthy seedlings, and act only when necessary. Chemical abuse damages the soil, contaminates water, and endangers communities,” he cautioned.

Nguelo commended WWF and its partners for bridging the gap between science and rural practice, calling for more widespread adoption of IPM across cocoa-growing regions.

Farmers’ testimonies: From forest loss to forest care

On the sidelines of the symposium, cocoa farmers shared heartfelt testimonies of transformation, stories that revealed the tangible impact of WWF’s grassroots programmes.

Liliane Radia, Vice President of Cooperative En Nature in Yokadouma, East Region, said WWF’s interventions have changed how her group approaches cultivation.

“Before WWF’s training, many of us thought cutting new forests meant better yields. Now we know that regenerating existing cocoa farms and using organic compost is more profitable and sustainable. Our goal is to move from 300 to 800 kilograms per hectare without harming the environment,” she said. 

Meanwhile, Anatole N’fomo, Secretary General of Soko Padeba Cooperative in South Region, spoke passionately about the pride WWF has restored in farmers.

“We used to see ourselves as the forgotten ones. Now we understand that we are key actors in Cameroon’s development. WWF has made us believe that sustainable cocoa can be both noble and profitable,” he said.

Collective Commitment for the Future

At a closing press conference, both farmers and stakeholders pledged to strengthen cooperation for a greener cocoa future. 

“Sustainable cocoa is not just good for business; it is the foundation for peace between people and nature, where every farmer can thrive without destroying what sustains us,” WWF’s Ononino reiterated.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3588 of Wednesday October 08, 2025