In the western region of Côte d’Ivoire, a country in West Africa, coffee farming has become a vital source of income for many families. One such farmer, François Dadi Serikpa, a retired bus driver and father of twelve, has found new meaning in life through coffee farming thanks to the Nescafé Plan, a global initiative launched by Nestlé. The plan aims to make coffee farming more sustainable, fair, and environmentally friendly. Serikpa’s experience is reflective of the reality of thousands of people involved in the coffee industry in Côte d’Ivoire, where coffee is a significant commodity that supports tens of thousands of rural households and contributes to regional trade.
Côte d’Ivoire was once a top African coffee producer, but its production declined significantly from 380,000 tonnes in 2000 to 47,000 tonnes in 2023 due to ageing plantations, climate change, and limited access to finance. Despite this decline, coffee remains an essential crop in the country, with domestic consumption projected to reach 1.38 million kilograms in 2025, generating $32.13 million in revenue. To address the decline, public and private stakeholders have implemented programs focused on sustainable development and productivity.
Nestlé, through its Nescafé brand, has been present in Côte d’Ivoire for over 65 years, contributing to job and business creation. The company’s Nescafé Plan supports over 21,000 coffee-producing families in the country, providing them with practical training on sustainable farming practices and high-yield Robusta seedlings. The plan has led to a significant improvement in yields, ranging from 600 to 1200 kg per hectare, depending on climate conditions. Nestlé also sources green coffee directly from farmer cooperatives and supports urban hot coffee vendors through its entrepreneurship support initiative, My Own Business.
The company’s commitment to the coffee industry in Côte d’Ivoire goes beyond just coffee production. It’s about creating a lasting impact in the communities it serves. By investing in local farmers and entrepreneurs, Nestlé aims to build a strong and sustainable coffee industry that benefits both the company and the community. The history of Nescafé in Côte d’Ivoire is an example of shared value, where each cup of coffee reflects a shared commitment to quality and collaboration. Through its initiatives, Nestlé has improved the lives of many farmers and entrepreneurs, like Serikpa and Assanvo, who have seen significant improvements in their yields and incomes. As Mame Pane Sakho, Head of Communications and Public Affairs at Nestlé Côte d’Ivoire, said, “We believe that investing in local farmers and entrepreneurs is essential to building a strong and sustainable coffee industry.”