Earthworm Foundation Africa

Training Key Stakeholders to Better Address Gender Issues in Palm Oil Plantations Earthworm Foundation Africa, through the Center of Social Excellence (CSE), has just wrapped up an intensive 8-session training program at Socfin Agricultural Company (SAC) Palm Oil Plantation in Sierra Leone. This program was designed to deepen the understanding of gender concepts and promote gender sensitivity within the company. Leading the training were Earthworm Foundation Africa's Senior Program Development Manager, Ntui Ebob Ojong Michelline, and Mrs. Cecile Ndjebet, consultant and founder of The African Women's Network for Community Management of Forests (REFACOF). The six-day training brought together a diverse group of 75 participants, including top managers, members of the gender committee, and middle managers of SAC. The program was divided into an introductory session, practical sessions, and a concluding session for each group of staffs trained, aiming to:  - Enhance comprehension of gender and gender concepts.  - Clarify stereotypes on gender-related terminologies.  - Highlight the significance of gender mainstreaming in professional roles.  - Elucidate the gender analysis process.  - Enable the practical application of gender analysis tools in analyzing the gender situation of SAC (using some departments as case studies). The training was conducted using a participatory integrated approach, including brainstorming sessions, PowerPoint presentations, group work exercises, and plenary discussions. A technical session on addressing gender-based violence and harassment (GBVH) in the work place was done. This session focused on understanding GBVH, its risks and how it can be prevented in the workplace, while emphasizing the importance of a respectful and inclusive workplace. The session was full of positive feedbacks from participants, one of which was that of Mariama; a participant and member of SAC’s gender committees, who said, "This training was very educative and useful to the gender committee and the entire staff. The trainers were very supportive and generous to the trainees. Everything was well understood; we hope to have more training soon." This training marks a significant step taken by SAC towards fostering an inclusive and gender-sensitive workplace culture. We are committed to continuous learning and improvement, ensuring that gender equity is not just a goal but a reality in our workplace. If you are interested in knowing more about the CSE and our trainings, click on the link below. https://lnkd.in/eKQz7Tvh #GenderSensitivity, #InclusiveCulture, #ProfessionalDevelopment

#Communiqué_de_presse Earthworm Foundation s'associe avec Nestlé, SECO Economic Cooperation and Development / Swiss Platform for Sustainable Cocoa, Touton SA, COCOASOURCE et Barry Callebaut Group pour signer l'amendement du protocole d'entente, initialement signé en juin 2023, en faveur de la conservation de la réserve naturelle du Cavally. Nous sommes également heureux d'accueillir les nouveaux partenaires de l’État de la Côte d’Ivoire, le MINEDDTE et l'OIPR. Cette nouvelle phase de trois ans, vise à renforcer nos ambitions avec une composante économique et sociale plus marquée et le soutien d'un groupe élargi de partenaires. Pour en savoir plus sur cette initiative, cliquez sur le lien ci-dessous: 🔗 https://lnkd.in/dpXmM6KN #CavallyForest #Conservation #Sustainability #CommunityEngagement

🌳 Update on Our Ongoing Conservation Efforts 🌳 We are pleased to share progress on our journey to safeguard the Cavally Forest. We are thrilled to welcome additional partners for the next three years, encouraged by the positive results of Phase 1.  Our gratitude goes to Nestlé, SECO Economic Cooperation and Development / Swiss Platform for Sustainable Cocoa, Touton SA, Barry Callebaut Group, and COCOASOURCE for their support and collaboration in pursuing our shared objectives. In Phase 2, our focus remains on conservation and community empowerment. Specifically: 🌿 Continuing efforts to prevent deforestation and enhance the ecosystem through natural regeneration and rehabilitation initiatives covering 38,775 hectares of forest conservation and over 6,000 hectares of regeneration. 💼 Supporting over 3,000 small-scale producers to bolster productivity, diversify income streams, and facilitate access to financial resources. 📚 Advocating for the rights of children in these communities by promoting education and basic infrastructure improvements, benefitting approximately 10,000 children. 🔄 Establishing a transparent and traceable cocoa and rubber supply chain in the peripheral zone, incorporating accessible grievance mechanisms, clearly identified HCV/HCS areas and robust governance structures to address forest degradation. Additionally, we are grateful for the recent decree by the Ivoirian Council of Ministers passed in September 2023, elevating Cavally Forest to a "Natural Forest Reserve," which signifies enhanced protection. Earthworm Foundation and partners eagerly anticipate collaborating closely with the Ministry of Environment, Sustainable Development, and Ecological Transition (MINEDDTE) and the OIPR - Office Ivoirien des Parcs et Réserves to advance our conservation efforts and support local communities. Interested in the Phase 1 Report? Check out the report by clicking on either of the links below: English: https://bit.ly/4atQxYX French: https://bit.ly/3K8Le6q #CavallyForest #Conservation #Sustainability #CommunityEngagement

🔔 Recrutement : Stagiaire en Ressources Humaines et Administration** 🔔 Vous êtes enthousiaste, curieux(se) et désireux(se) de montrer vos talents? Rejoignez-nous pour un stage de 6 mois à Abidjan, Cocody, Angré, 8e tranche. Nous recherchons un(e) stagiaire proactif(ve) et force de proposition, à l'aise avec les chiffres, la rédaction de courriers, et les outils bureautiques. La maîtrise de l'anglais est un plus pour interagir avec nos collègues anglophones. Votre caractère jovial facilitera les relations avec nos partenaires internes et externes. En rejoignant Earthworm, vous ferez partie d'une équipe passionnée déterminée à régénérer les écosystèmes et à faire de notre organisation un lieu de travail exceptionnel. 📧 Postulez dès maintenant et venez découvrir une diversité de personnalités engagées ! #Recrutement #StageRH #Administration #Abidjan #Earthworm #Talentueux #OpportunitéDeCarrière

Following from our previous post and in celebration of #WorldEnvironmentDay, we are proud to highlight the Cavally Forest Reforestation and Protection Landscape project, a key initiative we've been involved in since last year. Initiated by the Société de Développement des Forêts Ivoiriennes (#SODEFOR) and the Ministry of Water and Forests (#MINEF) together with Earthworm Foundation and Nestlé in 2020, this project aims to protect the Cavally Forest Reserve while supporting the surrounding communities to become more resilient and engage in efforts to conserve and restore biodiversity. As members of the #CocoaandForestsInitiative, we are committed to continuing our efforts to protect forests, particularly in cocoa-producing countries. The Cavally Project has been working closely with local communities in outlying areas to improve their resilience and create the right conditions for them to take ownership of forest conservation. During the official launch of Phase 2 in June 2023, Joseph Larrose, Deputy Managing Director of the Touton Group, explained why engaging in major landscape projects goes beyond CSR commitments and makes business sense for trading companies: "As a major cocoa supply chain manager in Ivory Coast, our sustainability teams are already working hand in hand with producers and communities to build sustainable value chains. Previous experiences have proven that landscape approaches are an effective way to create healthy ecosystems for cocoa, coffee, and exotic ingredients to grow. When forests are under threat, it is the very heart of our business that is at stake.” Want to learn more about the Cavally Landscape? Check out our interview with the Africa Regional Director of Earthworm Foundation in our latest CFI report: https://bit.ly/3X744CJ #CocoaAndForestsInitiative #CavallyForestLandscapeProject #ForestProtectionAndRestoration

#WorldEnvironmentalDay At Earthworm Foundation, we've seen farmers' and communities' livelihoods improve and natural forests and supply chains transform over the past 25 years. Building resilient, fair, and sustainable supply chains ensures that all the supply chain actors are supported, and our resources are managed wisely.   Earthworm Foundation Africa joins the international community to commemorate World Environmental Day by highlighting the fact that ecosystem restoration works! Through collective action with our members and partners, we have had some impressive impact globally, one of which is our Cavally landscape project in Cote d'Ivoire. Come explore some of our work globally and its impacts below. Learn more at www.earthworm.org #GenerationRestoration #ResilientFarmers #FarmerLivelihoods #SupplyChainResilience #EarthwormTurn25 #WorldEnvironmentDay #LookDownToo

Community resilience through #VSLAs, income diversification activities and farm yield maximization. By helping #farmers improve their cocoa yield, implementing #agroforestry systems, and diversifying their income, we're not just transforming livelihoods but shaping a brighter, more sustainable future. Communities are flourishing with newfound opportunities, from establishing tree nurseries to embracing snail farming and cultivating diverse food crops. We've also fostered the establishment of Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), providing an opportunity for community members to access loans and launch small entrepreneurship projects. Through VSLAs, many people in the community gain access to loans, enabling them to invest in projects, cover major expenses, and navigate unexpected challenges with ease. These associations aren't just about money; they're about fostering resilience, empowerment, and collective progress. For more information, dive into our comprehensive Cavally Phase 1 Impact Report for all the insights and key findings. Available in both English and French, click the links below to explore further: 🇬🇧 English Link = https://lnkd.in/e-82UCfC 🇫🇷 French Link =https://lnkd.in/eidcSvvp Earthworm Foundation, Nestlé, Swiss Platform for Sustainable Cocoa #SECO, Ministère Environnement,Développement Durable et Transition Ecologique, COCOASOURCE, Touton SA, Barry Callebaut Group #CommunityResilience #WomenEmpowerment #IncomeDiversification #Agroforestry #CocoaProduction #VSLAs #SustainableDevelopment #ImpactReport #EmpowermentJourney

C'est parti pour la 6e vague! Vous êtes un jeune homme ou une jeune femme âgé(e) de 17 à 35 ans? 🌾 Vous souhaitez exploiter vos capacités agricoles pour devenir agriculteur ? 🚜 Le Centre d'Incubation Rural Agroécologique (CIRA) vous offre une formation agricole pratique indispensable et une voie plus durable vers l'indépendance financière dans le domaine agricole. 🌱💼 Notez que la formation est gratuite ! 🎓 📅 Réservez votre place avant le 20 juin en appelant les numéros ci-dessous et préparez-vous à fournir les informations suivantes : Nom, prénom, Âge, Coordonnées, Ville, Coordonnées des parents/responsables, Projets personnels, Niveau d'études, Situation actuelle. 📞 07 09 13 39 15  📞 07 08 83 35 84 📞 27 22 52 17 10 Pour rappel, ce centre a été créé avec l’appui financier de nos partenaires, la Fondation Louis Dreyfus Company et le Conseil Régional du Sud Comoé, soucieux du bien-être des communautés et de l’environnement.  🌍 L'objectif est de fournir aux agriculteurs les outils et les ressources nécessaires pour des choix agricoles éclairés. Pour plus d'informations, visitez notre site web: https://lnkd.in/eafJsirg #Agriculture #FormationGratuite #Agroécologie #IndépendanceFinancière #JeunesAgriculteurs #DéveloppementDurable Gerome TOKPA Valery Njiaba Kone Mamery Stephane Kouakou Marika Korent Cintia Louisette Soro #EleonoreNgbesso Earthworm Foundation

Making a Difference: Our Impact on #Deforestation and #Forest #Regeneration. Thanks to the relentless efforts of our team and the dedication of our partners, we've seen a remarkable decline in #deforestation rates, from 3.78% in 2018 to a mere 0.05% in the second quarter of 2023. In conserving and making the forest greener, through the patrols and monitoring carried out by the team, we witnessed the natural regeneration of over 7,000 ha and the #reforestation of 1,500 ha in the reserve. Our efforts have sparked greater awareness among local communities about the importance of safeguarding the Cavally Forest. We keep promoting a culture of conservation and sustainability because most people now recognize the critical role these ecosystems play in controlling rainfall, safeguarding homes and crops, and supplying essential resources like fresh air, oxygen, food, and medicine. Together, we're not only preserving the #environment but also securing livelihoods and promoting a healthier, more resilient future for all. It's heartening to see that most locals now recognize the prohibition of cultivating farmlands in the reserve, demonstrating a shared commitment to be careful and protect the forest in a more responsible manner. Examine the Cavally Phase 1 Impact Report (available in both English and French) to find out more. To learn more about these important results and other insights, click the links below: English Link: https://lnkd.in/e-82UCfC French Link: https://lnkd.in/eidcSvvp #CavallyProject #EnvironmentalConservation #SustainableFuture #CommunityEngagement #DeforestationMonitoring #ReforestationEfforts

Earthworm Foundation Africa Engages at the Parallel Conference of Cameroonian Civil Society. Last week, Earthworm Foundation Africa actively participated at the parallel conference of Cameroonian Civil Society. This event gathered civil society actors to voice concerns and perspectives on Cameroon’s mining, oil, gas, and energy sectors under the theme "Promoting sustainable mining and energy for inclusive development in Cameroon." The conference aimed to: ✅ Encourage constructive dialogue between civil society, government, and industry representatives. ✅ Raise awareness about the importance of sustainable mining and energy. ✅ Promote collaboration between different stakeholders. ✅ Strengthen the capacity of civil society organizations with up-to-date information, tools, and resources. 🔊 **Earthworm Foundation Africa's Impact** Désiré Ndoumou, Senior Manager and Training and Impact Lead, presented the Centre for Social Excellence (CSE) program the organization is running in Guinea. This program equips key stakeholders in the mining sector—local communities, municipalities, government, mining companies, and civil society—with essential tools to address social, environmental, and economic challenges. The program emphasizes dialogue, collaboration, and innovation. Désiré outlined CSE’s pathway and curriculum, highlighting successful implementations and potential replications in Cameroon to address the pressing issues in the mining sector. With the support of the Alcoa Foundation, Earthworm Foundation has developed robust pedagogic expertise through the CSE program in Guinea. Through this program, we collaborate with major stakeholders such as the Ministére des Mines et de la Géologie, REB (Réseau Environnement Bauxite), CHAMBRE DES MINES DE GUINEE, and the community in training social practitioners to manage social and environmental tensions within the bauxite mining Boké region. 🌟 **Want to Learn More? ** Curious to learn more about our CSE program and how you can benefit from our training? Click here ( https://lnkd.in/eHhR_hvx) to find out more.   #EarthwormFoundationAfrica #SustainableMining #CSEProgram #CivilSociety #Collaboration #Cameroon #AlcoaFoundation #MiningSector #EnvironmentalSustainability #CommunityEngagement Gerome TOKPA, Erith L. NGATCHOU TOWO, joel Martial Njiokou Linkio, Elie Tamekou, Ntui Ebob Ojong Michelline, Nadège E. NJOH, Grace GOUFAN, Daniel Eya'a, Fassou Bienvenu Loua, Valery Njiaba, CRADEC (Centre Régional Africain pour le Développement Endogène et Communautaire), Forêts et Développement Rural (FODER)