The Andean region, comprising Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, is recognized worldwide for its production of fine aroma cocoa. However, these countries face a crucial challenge: the presence of cadmium (Cd) in the soils where cocoa is grown, a heavy metal that poses health risks and can limit access to international markets, especially the European market, due to increasingly strict regulations.
To address this challenge, the Bioversity International and CIAT Alliance is leading the Clima-LoCa project, an international platform that brings together researchers, agronomists, and decision-makers from the three countries. The main objective is to strengthen national capacities in digital soil mapping (DSM), using artificial intelligence and field data to generate detailed maps of cadmium distribution in cocoa-growing areas. This collaborative approach makes it possible to identify areas of risk, guide specific interventions, and improve land-use planning, directly benefiting more than 89,000 cocoa producers. It also fosters the resilience and sustainability of the cocoa value chain by promoting low-carbon innovations and solutions tailored to each local context.
The active participation of national institutions and cooperatives has been key. A notable example is the Cooperativa Agraria Norandino in Peru, which, thanks to the validation of new technologies for cadmium analysis, managed to comply with European standards and improve the incomes of thousands of producers. The development of digital soil maps is now an essential tool for decision-making, public policy formulation, and protecting the livelihoods of small-scale cocoa farmers in the Andes.
Clima-LoCa appears in the Story Book as one of the success stories of the DESIRA LIFT initiative. Click on the image to read the full article.
Appearing in DESIRA LIFT’s stories of change is a strategic opportunity to highlight the impact and innovation of our project in transforming sustainable agri-food systems. These stories are internationally recognized and contribute to strengthening the dialogue between research and public policy, positioning us as leaders in climate-smart solutions. It also allows us to share lessons learned and best practices with a global network, amplifying our reach and potential for collaboration.
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