The non-profit organization Better Cotton is launching a new program to support cotton producers in Côte d’Ivoire.
In strategic cooperation with the professional association of Côte d’Ivoire cotton companies APROCOT-CI, the Better Cotton program is intended to support 200,000 farmers in the first five years, the NGO said in a statement on Monday.
Training, further education and the provision of resources for the agricultural communities should contribute to improving their economic and social prospects and also help to make the country’s cotton production more sustainable. APROCOT-CI supports Better Cotton in implementing and overseeing the program initiatives on site. Last year, the professional association submitted a declaration of interest to launch a strategic partnership with Better Cotton. The six member organizations of APROCOT-CI will act as partners of the program.
“The partnership underlines our organizations’ shared commitment to making a positive impact in the cotton industry, with a focus on improving the livelihoods of small-scale cotton farmers,” explains Jean François Toure, Chairman of APROCOT-CI. “By integrating Better Cotton’s sustainable farming practices and APROCOT-CI’s local expertise, we aim to increase cotton yields, reduce environmental impact and improve social and economic outcomes for farmers in the region.”
The NGO wants to further expand its presence in Africa and already announced one in July strategic partnership with the Egyptian Cotton Association known.
“The launch of a new program in Côte d’Ivoire is an exciting step as Better Cotton expands its presence across the continent. Our partnership with APROCOT-CI is fundamental to carrying out our work in the country. It will help local cotton farmers reap the environmental and economic benefits of more sustainable cotton production,” comments Alan McClay, CEO of Better Cotton.