DEERFIELD, Ill., Aug. 30, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mondelēz International today announced the successful completion of the first phase of its new partnerships with Swisscontact, Cargill and Wahana Visi Indonesia to expand its Cocoa Life program in Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/Attachm...e5ec2d14cc
With the help of Swisscontact, funded by the Swiss State Secretariat of Economic Affairs (SECO), the program aims to develop sustainable livelihoods for cocoa-farming communities. The program specifically promotes women’s empowerment and youth participation, creating a next generation of cocoa farmers who see potential in the cocoa sector.
In the first phase, Cocoa Life communities developed Community Action Plans (CAPs) and formed Community Development Committees with representatives from all relevant groups in the community, such as youth and women. The committees will implement the CAPs, which feed into village plans, helping communities receive regional government funding and support. Cocoa Life also provides training to increase communities’ awareness of social issues. The program assists communities in taking local action for positive change and developing their own action plans.
Mondelēz International is part of the consortium led by Swisscontact, which together with the Millennium Challenge Account-Indonesia, announced in April 2015 the Green Prosperity – Sustainable Cocoa Production Program (GP-SCPP), which aims to reduce poverty and greenhouse gas emissions in the Indonesian cocoa sector.
“Cocoa Life is taking root in Indonesia because it’s focused on farmers,” said Andi Sitti Asmayanti, Director of Cocoa Life for Southeast Asia. “Through Cocoa Life, we’re empowering farmers to create action plans with their communities and shape the future of cocoa. It’s important that community members come together to build plans that are based on their long-term needs. This creates ownership and empowerment. Together with our partners and the Indonesian government, we’re helping cocoa-farming families create the kind of communities they want to live in, and inspiring the next generation.”
Swisscontact is working with partners Wahana Visi Indonesia and Cargill on a three-year program to reach 6,000 cocoa farmers and at least 16,000 community members in Southeast Sulawesi. The collaboration with Cargill as supply chain partner focuses on improving good agricultural and environmental practices as part of the farming and environment focus areas in the Cocoa Life program. Swisscontact, through Wahana Visi Indonesia, focuses on implementing interventions as part of livelihoods, community and youth.
“This partnership brings proven experience in community mobilization to SCPP’s experience in supply chain development and strengthens the ability of cocoa farmers to shape their future,” said Manfred Borer, Country Director, Swisscontact Indonesia. “By promoting open participation in community meetings, community members that are often overlooked will be given a platform to promote their ideas for community development.”
About Cocoa Life
Cocoa Life aims to reach more than 200,000 farmers across six countries, benefiting more than a million people. Mondelēz International’s ultimate goal is to sustainably source all the company’s cocoa supply, mainly via Cocoa Life. By working in partnership with farmers, NGOs, suppliers and government institutions, Cocoa Life answers Mondelēz International’s Call For Well-being, which urges employees, suppliers and community partners to join together to develop new approaches that can have a positive impact on the planet and its people. The Call For Well-being focuses on four key areas where the company can make the greatest impact: mindful snacking, sustainability, community and safety. Follow our progress at www.cocoalife.org/progress .
About Mondelēz International
Mondelēz International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MDLZ ) is a global snacking powerhouse, with 2015 net revenues of approximately $30 billion. Creating delicious moments of joy in 165 countries, Mondelēz International is a world leader in biscuits, chocolate, gum, candy and powdered beverages, with billion-dollar brands such as Oreo , LU and Nabisco biscuits; Cadbury, Cadbury Dairy Milk and Milka chocolate; and Trident gum. Mondelēz International is a proud member of the Standard and Poor’s 500, NASDAQ 100 and Dow Jones Sustainability Index. Visit www.mondelezinternational.com or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MDLZ .
About Swisscontact
Swisscontact promotes economic, social and ecological development by supporting people to successfully integrate into local commercial life. Swisscontact creates opportunities for people to improve their living conditions as a result of their own efforts. The focus of its systemic intervention in the private sector is the strengthening of local and global value chains. Through its projects, Swisscontact works to enable access to professional training, promotes local entrepreneurship, creates access to local financial service providers and supports the efficient use of resources with the goal of successfully promoting employment and income generation. Based in Zurich, Swisscontact is active in 31 countries and has some 1,000 employees. www.swisscontact.org .
About the Millennium Challenge Account – Indonesia (MCA-Indonesia)
MCA-Indonesia, under the Compact grant signed by the Government of Indonesia with the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), is implementing the Green Prosperity project to catalyze sustainable development programs at the local level. The Sustainable Cocoa Partnership is one of MCA-Indonesia’s initiatives, funded under the Partnership Grants component of the Green Prosperity Facility, which aimed at reducing poverty in Indonesia through low carbon development projects that lead to economic growth in the targeted communities and districts.
About Wahana Visi Indonesia
Wahana Visi Indonesia is a Christian humanitarian organization working to create lasting change in the lives of children, families and communities living in poverty. Wahana Visi Indonesia is dedicated to working with the most vulnerable people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender. WVI is a partner of World Vision. Currently, the organization is assisting 48 regions in Indonesia through area development programs. Wahana Visi Indonesia, as the local implementer of the Cocoa Life project in Southeast Sulawesi, has extensive experience in long-term community development program. The main focus area includes health and nutrition, water sanitation, education, economic development, child protection, advocacy and social accountability.
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