West Africa

Agriculture is how the majority of people in West Africa make ends meet. We recognize that, in addition to producing crops for export, farmers must meet the nutritional needs of a burgeoning population. With our office in Dakar and colleagues throughout the region, we provide financing and customized training to a diverse network of agricultural businesses—from large-scale cocoa cooperatives to high-impact food processors.
Sarah Ayipah & Esi Konadu, farmers and members of Kuapa Kokoo. © Kuapa Kokoo Kuapa Kokoo: Creating Sustainable Livelihoods for Cocoa Farmers in Ghana

Hundreds of thousands of farmers in Ghana depend on cocoa for their livelihoods. This business is making sure those farmers earn a decent living. One of the country’s largest exports, cocoa employs approximately 800,000 farming families across Ghana. “It’s the biggest vocation, the biggest source of livelihood in these communities,” says Nelson Adubofour, head of the Kuapa Kokoo Farmers’ Union.

Serendipalm: Charting a New Path in an Industry Known for Environmental Degradation in Ghana

By sourcing palm oil from pre-existing areas of cultivated land, Serendipalm is defying industry norms of deforestation and contributing to sustainable development in rural Ghana.

La Vivriére: Reclaiming Nutritious Home-Grown Grains in Senegal

Recognizing the need for affordable, nutrient-rich alternatives to imported rice, this agroprocessing business built up the market for traditional Senegalese grains. After years of watching working mothers feed their children imported rice rather than local Senegalese grains, Bineta Coulibaly decided to take action. Traditionally, women used locally-produced and nutrient-rich millet flour to make couscous, arraw (small balls of flour cooked…