Previous partnerships

Together with Mondelez, one of the world's largest confectionery companies, we worked to improve the lives of thousands of farmers and their families by:

• helping cocoa farmers access services that help increase their yield,
• training women on farming, business management and leadership skills,
• providing access to finance, creating a savings culture and increasing financial literacy through Village Savings and Loan Associations,
• empowering communities to lead their own development by implementing action plans,
• developing young people’s skills to improve employment chances,
• supporting people to generate income through micro enterprises,
• training farmers on good agricultural practices.

Women leading their families out of poverty

Women play a vital role in cocoa farming: they labour during the harvest, and between seasons their small businesses provide what may be the family's only source of income.

Through Cocoa Life, female community members are trained by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and VSO. They go on to mentor other women to develop their business, farming and leadership skills.

Working in partnership

Cocoa Life demonstrates what can be achieved through working in partnership with the private sector, local and international suppliers, non-governmental organisations, and local and national government.

Through Cocoa Life, Mondelēz International is creating empowered and thriving cocoa farming families and ensuring a more sustainable supply of cocoa.

Ghana's Ministry of Food and Agriculture benefits from better productivity, economic growth and improved infrastructure, and the communities benefit through increased income and the opportunity to participate in their own development.

Team members develop cross-cultural skills related to leadership, team-working and problem solving. These help them progress into more challenging roles in their organisation.

IBM gains a more motivated staff with a broader range of experiences, an increased understanding of new markets, and new or strengthened relationships with key stakeholders.

Benefits of short-term corporate employee assignments

Government and civil society organisations benefit from technical advice and mentoring, boosting their ability to deliver vital services to poor communities.

We worked with IBM to bring benefits to more than 20 NGOs and government institutions in:

• Nigeria – including conducting an analysis of Ogun State Water Corporation’s water need and developing a demand-led strategy,
• China – including helping a government department improve telephone hotline care services for the elderly,
• India – including developing a business and marketing plan to promote employment for people with disabilities in Bangalore’s tech industry.

Working together in India

Employees work in teams of 10-15 supporting local governments, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) universities, and small businesses.

Initiatives range from upgrading technology for a government agency, to supporting grassroots poverty alleviation.

Evaluating our impact in India

The 'Bridging the Gap' report (2016) evaluates the impact of CSC projects in the Indian cities of Varanasi and Bangalore.

Download the 'Bridging the Gap' report (PDF)