Côte d'Ivoire: Advancing Horticultural Capacity

The HortIvoire project made remarkable progress in enhancing the capabilities of young graduates and farmers in Côte d’Ivoire, empowering them to produce high-quality, safe vegetables for urban markets. 

With a strong focus on sustainable agricultural practices, the initiative prioritized the effective use of inputs such as substrates, specialty fertilizers, quality seeds, and crop protection products, actively engaging youth and women throughout the process. Comprising six key partners—Agrifer, Away4Africa, INFPA, Resilience, Rijk Zwaan and Van Iperen—the project successfully implemented the INNOFER concept, which centers on hors sol (soil-less) production techniques. This innovative approach was primarily executed in small, open greenhouses (ABRIs) and targeted the cultivation of high-demand crops like tomatoes, bell peppers, and cucumbers. Each partner contributed valuable expertise, facilitating skill transfers to young farmers and demonstrating the practical applications of this concept at the HortIvoire training center.

Key Accomplishments

Located at the Institut National de Formation Professionelle d’ Agriculture (INFPA) in TIEBISSOU, the center served as a vital educational hub for aspiring farmers and graduates. Agrifer led the charge by conducting training sessions and managing production while also establishing crucial infrastructure, including a water management system and greenhouses.

Away4Africa provided business development support, equipping students with essential management skills to navigate the labor market post-graduation. Rijk Zwaan contributed quality seeds and training focused on best cultivation practices, including crop protection and pruning techniques, while Van Iperen supplied specialty fertilizers and expertise in soil fertility management. Resilience ensured effective project oversight, monitoring, and evaluation to meet the project's objectives.

One of the standout achievements was during the demo days, which attracted an impressive *3,534 farmers and other interested individuals*. This event showcased the project's impact and the innovative practices being implemented, further engaging the community and raising awareness about sustainable horticulture.

Fer Weerheijm, AgriFer: “We are very proud to have trained so many young Ivorians”

The project accomplished several key milestones:

1. Capacity Building: The initiative supported actors in the vegetable value chain by introducing new technologies and conducting training and market development activities. The goal of reaching 3,500 local farmers through demonstrations and Training of Trainers (ToT) activities was successfully met, empowering local communities.

2. Youth Engagement: The project  trained 195 young graduates and farmers intensively, enabling them to manage their own horticultural businesses. 40 % of these ended up working in an agricultural business within a year after their graduation.

3. Platform for Development: The HortIvoire project positively established a platform for the Dutch horticultural supply industry to further develop the integrated INNOFER model and expand business activities within Côte d’Ivoire’s horticultural sector.

Looking Forward: Introducing the HortiNord program

Building on the successes of HortIvoire, the newly introduced HortiNord project aims to further enhance the agricultural landscape in Côte d’Ivoire. This initiative will expand on the foundations laid by HortIvoire, focusing on scaling up  and integrating advanced technologies to boost productivity and sustainability in horticulture. By continuing to engage youth and women, HortiNord seeks to empower a new generation of farmers, ensuring the long-term growth and resilience of the horticultural sector in the region.

Joep van de Broek, Resilience: “HortIvoire has been the perfect stepping stone to develop the HortiNord programme”

In conclusion, the HortIvoire project has improved the skills of young farmers and graduates but has also fostered sustainable agricultural practices vital for meeting urban market demands. The experiences and lessons learned will serve as a stepping stone for the HortiNord programme, paving the way for continued innovation and progress in Côte d’Ivoire’s horticultural sector.

for more information :  abi-lvvn@minbuza.nl