Work Packages

Work package 1 – WP1

WP1 analyse and map the factors that determine the risks and vulnerabilities associated with cadmium and climate change, and relate them to variation in environmental (e.g. geomorphology, soils, climate), cacao genetics and social context (e.g. farmer typologies, production systems, policies, markets and infrastructure) within and across the target countries. Key environmental and social drivers and performance and knowledge gaps are identified, as well as site-specific risks, opportunities and adaptation needs. The activities for this work package are:

WeatherSoils & Climate
Analysis and mapping of cadmium risks and climate impacts for (potential) cocoa production areas

WeatherSocioeconomics
Assessment of socio-economic baselines (cocoa production systems and marketing strategies) and impacts of new food safety regulation on national markets and small producers

WeatherCacao Genetics
Survey and assessment of commercial clones for level of cadmium in cocoa beans

WeatherDissemination & Decision Support
Dissemination of impact assessments and context-relevant recommendations with a focus on influencing public policies and planning

Work package 2 – WP2

WP2 reveals the potential of promising low cadmium production practices and technologies (e.g., low cadmium accumulating varieties, soil amendments or shade tree management) and remaining knowledge gaps, while improving our understanding of underlying mechanisms. We also pay a proper attention to co-benefits or trade-offs regarding effects on cacao productivity, soil health, climate relevance and cost-benefits. The activities for this work package are:

WeatherSoils & Climate
Evaluate promising soil amendments and agroforestry designs in multi-locational research trials for their effects on cadmium levels, productivity, soil health and climate relevance

WeatherSocioeconomics
Perform cost-benefit analysis and feasibility assessments of mitigation practices and interventions

WeatherCacao Genetics
Identify and test promising cocoa genotypes for low cadmium accumulation and drought tolerance and study underlying interactions, mechanisms and genes

WeatherDissemination & Decision Support
Develop technology recommendations, training materials and decision support tools

Work package 3 – WP3

WP3  involve on-farm piloting and demonstrations in a selection of sites, collaborating with farmer associations and extension organizations. This allows us to test, together with groups of farmers, the effectiveness of the proposed technologies and practices identified under WP2 and evaluate the scope for adoption. WP3 also engages with wider stakeholder platforms with the aim to codevelop mitigation and scaling strategies.  The activities for this work package are:

WeatherSoils & Climate
Pilot and evaluate promising soil amendments on smallholder farms using participatory methods

WeatherSocioeconomics
Analyse and co-develop mitigation and scaling strategies in multi-stakeholder platforms

WeatherCacao Genetics
Pilot budding techniques to reduce cadmium accumulation in cocoa beans on smallholder farms

WeatherDissemination & Decision Support
Implement dissemination actions targeting different value chain actors, aimed at enhancing their capacities to adopt and scale low cadmium and climate smart innovations

Work package 4 – WP4

WP4 coordinate the implementation and monitoring of the regional research project as a whole, while enhancing data and knowledge sharing among participants and collaborators.  WP4 also contribute to strengthening of research (including laboratory) capacity in the target LAC countries, and mobilization of research capacity in EU and LAC. The activities for this work package are:

Coordinate a regional research programme and establish a data and knowledge sharing platform

Train laboratories and support the implementation of adequate quality control procedures
Support scientific capacity building and create new opportunities for training and exchange