EDFI Management Company strengthens Cajou Espoir’s beekeeping initiative in Togo with technical support from COLEAD
EDFI Management Company (EDFI MC) and Cajou Espoir have announced a new technical assistance project focused on enhancing beekeeping techniques to improve cashew yields and promote sustainable agriculture in Togo.
This project, to be delivered by COLEAD (Committee Linking Entrepreneurship Agriculture Development), will support Cajou Espoir’s efforts in developing fully traceable and organic-certified production while addressing recent challenges in raw cashew nuts sourcing. EDFI MC technical assistance will amount to approx. 50 thousand EUR and is entirely funded by the European Union.
Cajou Espoir, Togo’s leading cashew processor and exporter, has been a pioneer in sustainable agriculture for over two decades. The company adds value to the Togolese value chain by creating 700+ jobs in its factories which are processing about 10% of Togo’s annual cashew production in fully organic / fairtrade certified operations. Recent adverse weather conditions have led to lower yields and increased raw cashew nut prices, prompting Cajou Espoir to focus solely on processing organic cashew nuts. To improve yields and accelerate the growth of organic production, the company has turned to installing beehives and intends to extend the apiculture program to the 1,500 smallholder cashew producers it has supported since 2018 towards organic conversion.
Natalia Svarinska, Technical Assistance Specialist of EDFI Management Company, stated, “This project exemplifies our commitment to sustainable agriculture and smallholder farmer support. By strengthening Cajou Espoir’s beekeeping capacity, we’re helping the company improve yields in the most organic fashion .”
Jerome Poulin, Managing Director of Cajou Espoir, added, “The integration of beekeeping into our cashew production is a game-changer for our sustainability goals. With EDFI MC’s support and COLEAD’s expertise, we’re well positioned to boost organic production in Togo while enhancing the livelihoods of our smallholder partners.”
The project aligns with EDFI MC’s mission to promote responsible business practices and drive positive social impact in developing countries. It also builds on the company’s partnership with COLEAD, announced in September 2024, to deliver technical assistance for sustainable agriculture projects.
As Cajou Espoir continues to adapt to changing market conditions, this beekeeping initiative is expected to play a crucial role in the company’s long-term sustainability strategy.
COLEAD’s technical assistance will initially cover a 12-month period in line with the beekeeping cycle and will cover strategic support to Cajou Espoir, design and implementation of a training path and a market study.
About EDFI Management Company: EDFI Management Company (EDFI MC) is a multilaterally owned impact asset manager that delivers innovative development finance solutions. The company enables European DFIs, development banks, and private sector investors to increase the scale and impact of their work, focusing on business models, technologies, and geographies where other investors have not been able to operate at the desired scale.
About Cajou Espoir: Cajou Espoir is Togo’s leading processor of raw cashew nuts, playing a crucial role in the country’s cashew value chain. With a focus on sustainable practices, the company is organic certified and is committed to supporting local communities and enhancing livelihoods.
About COLEAD: COLEAD is a leading provider of technical assistance in sustainable agriculture, working with organizations worldwide to implement innovative and effective solutions for improved agricultural practices and rural development.
