#Agriculture #GreenhouseFarming #SustainableDevelopment #CorporateSocialResponsibility #CommunityEmpowerment #RuralInnovation #FinancialAutonomy
In December 2023, Blommer, the chocolate company, unveiled a groundbreaking project in the Anouanzê village—an expansive 500m² greenhouse for soilless vegetable cultivation. Partnering with the village’s five Village Savings and Credit Associations (AVECs), Blommer aimed to support community members in their pursuit of financial independence. Each AVEC appointed two members to oversee and manage the greenhouse, with profits shared among them.
A team of ten individuals, comprising five women and five men, commenced cultivation activities in January 2024. They planted 1,000 seedlings of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and chili peppers, each with harvest cycles ranging from three to six months. Guiding them through this endeavor is a technician from Blommer, ensuring effective community management over the course of a year.
Céline Kpanigo, the greenhouse’s president, reported the commencement of initial harvests, with cucumbers and peppers currently being marketed. “We have harvested 300 kg of cucumbers, selling them to customers at prices ranging from 500 to 700 FCFA/kg across Anouanzê, Divo, Lakota, Gagnoa, and Tiassalé,” she stated.
According to Segoriba Koné, Blommer’s Country Manager, the installation of the greenhouse required an investment of 15 million CFA francs. “Today, we are delighted to witness the positive impact of our actions in Anouanzê, with empowered women leading the way through AVECs—a crucial driver of economic and social development,” he affirmed.
Blommer’s initiative stands as a testament to the transformative potential of corporate social responsibility in agriculture. By providing cutting-edge infrastructure and support to rural communities, it not only fosters economic growth but also promotes sustainable farming practices. The success of the Anouanzê greenhouse underscores the importance of collaboration between private enterprises and local stakeholders in driving meaningful change.
