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Interview with Mr. Jérémie Sidjoka Megnang, Chairman of COOPROZOCKI COOP-CA

Q: Could you please introduce yourself?

A: I am Mr. Jérémie Sidjoka Megnang, a cocoa producer and Chairman of the cooperative COOPROZOCKI COOP-CA, which is a Cooperative Society with a Board of Cocoa Producers from Zock Kidoung. I am also a member of the executive board of CONAPROCAM, the National Confederation of Cocoa and Coffee Producers of Cameroon, and a member of the Sustainable Cocoa Committee in Cameroon.

Q: What do you know about the Sustainable Cocoa Committee in Cameroon?

A: The Sustainable Cocoa Committee in Cameroon is a platform created by ministerial decree to address the issues in the cocoa sector. Its objective is to sustainably enhance this sector and defend the interests of all stakeholders in the chain. The committee comprises several members, including the government, industries, CSOs/NGOs, technical and financial partners, and producer organizations.

The committee has developed several activities grouped around themes such as sustainable production, sustainable marketing, forest protection and restoration, community engagement and social inclusion, and environmental sustainability. A 2023-2025 National Action Plan has been developed, and we expect an intensification of the implementation of these activities.

Q: What are your expectations as a producer regarding the committee’s initiatives?

A: We have noticed that discussions often focus on deforestation-free cocoa. As producers, we would like the committee to also consider producers living in forest areas and the necessary compensation measures. Here are some points we would like to see addressed:

  • Cocoa selling price: It is crucial that the issue of the selling price is brought to the table so that producers no longer receive only a residual price. The cocoa producer must make a living from his profession in order to have a decent income that will help to enhance the value of this sector and motivate young people to engage sustainably.
  • Community awareness: Outreach should be organized to explain to communities’ themes such as deforestation, climate change, and the new European Union regulation. Cooperatives like CONAPROCAM should be involved as they work directly with producers.
  • Cocoa traceability: It is necessary to resolve the issue of cocoa traceability to reduce theft and recognize and value producers who produce quality cocoa.
  • Georeferencing of plots: Georeferencing of plots should be done for all producers, with data provided to them and not kept by others.
  • Sustainable production guides: Guides on sustainable cocoa production and the new EU regulation should be produced and distributed to producers.
  • Recognition of cocoa in agroforestry: Cocoa produced in agroforestry should be valued, with bonuses for producers who conserve trees and preserve biodiversity.
  • Producer training: Emphasis should be placed on training producers in production techniques, including the regeneration of old cocoa plantations.

In general, we are expecting concrete actions from the committee on the ground. These actions should contribute to increasing cocoa production, encourage producers to continue this activity, and allow them to live decently, like in other professions.

We also hope that these efforts will compensate those who do not destroy the forest and place human concerns at the center, valuing the initiatives of producer organizations.

- Interview by Anne Nzouankeu

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