Earthworm Foundation has officially opened its Rural Agro-ecological Incubation Centre (CIRA in French) in Côte d'Ivoire.
Agriculture is a fundamental pillar of the Ivorian economy. Despite its high contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), many prejudices taint its popularity among a large section of the population, particularly among young people. Located in the South Comoé region of Côte d'Ivoire, CIRA's mission is to promote regenerative agriculture among the populations living in Côte d'Ivoire.
Located in the South Comoé region of Côte d'Ivoire, CIRA's mission is to promote regenerative agriculture among the populations living in Côte d'Ivoire.
"Farmers, who are the pride of Côte d'Ivoire, live in unimaginable conditions, so much so that many people do not want a career in agriculture. Farming is only a recourse for them if they fail at school or miss out on a professional career. However, it is possible to be a good farmer and a successful entrepreneur," said Gerome Tokpa, West Africa Manager of Earthworm Foundation.
"Our mission is to find jobs for our youth and to improve the general economy of our region."
The objectives of CIRA are to:
- Train farmers to meet current agricultural and environmental challenges;
- Introduce marketing and trading of perishable goods;
- Promote regenerative and profitable agriculture;
- Coach young people in farm management;
- Facilitate access to finance and markets.
"Development of agriculture is part of Louis Dreyfus' commitments. The objective is to transform it from a state of primary agriculture to a modern agriculture that respects all international standards insofar as global warming, deforestation and quality issues pose real problems," said Edmond Dutauziet, West Africa Director of Louis Dreyfus Commodities and a representative of Louis Dreyfus Foundation.
"Our mission is to find jobs for our youth and to improve the general economy of our region. The project to create the CIRA has met with our support. I would like to thank Earthworm for initiating this project. We welcome this initiative and we strongly encourage it for the good of our people," said Yoou Dogo Jean, First Vice-President of the South Comoé Regional Council, who was representing Dr. Aka Aouelé, President of the South Comoé Regional Council and President of the Economic, Social, Environmental and Cultural Council.
CIRA is an Earthworm Foundation project, launched with financial support from the Louis Dreyfus Foundation and institutional support from the Regional Council of South Comoé. For inquiries about CIRA, please contact Valery Njiaba at v.njiaba@earthworm.org
