SHERIDAN, WYOMING – July 12, 2025 – A new independent evaluation confirms that Nestlé’s income accelerator program is delivering significant benefits for cocoa-farming families in Côte d'Ivoire, despite one of the most difficult cocoa seasons in recent years.
Households participating in the program saw cocoa yields 18% higher than non-participating farmers, leading to 15% more total net income. These improvements come during the 2023/2024 cocoa season, which was marked by poor harvests due to changing weather patterns. The evaluation, conducted by the KIT Institute, reveals that the program is helping improve both income and resilience among participating households.
Farming practices make the difference
The report highlights that cocoa farms in the program are healthier, largely due to the adoption of good agricultural practices. These include pruning, weeding, shade management, pest control, and labor investment. Composting was also newly introduced to further improve sustainability.
“Our income accelerator program is one of our key sustainability initiatives,” said Laurent Freixe, CEO of Nestlé. “And we are committed to expanding it further in Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana, our main cocoa origins. We welcome the interest of governments and other industry players in our approach. Together, we will be able to scale up our work for impact.”
Positive ripple effects for families and communities
Beyond boosting yields, the program has delivered major improvements in family well-being. According to the KIT Institute, it is enhancing children's well-being, improving food security, and empowering women. One of the program’s most unique features—distributing mobile money equally between both heads of household—has been key to driving gender equity and financial resilience.
Key results among program participants include:
- 15% higher total household net income
- 18% increase in cocoa yields
- 21% increase in net cocoa profit accelerated by the rise in cocoa prices
- 18% higher women empowerment index
- 31% increase of children well-being
- 88% of children were enrolled in school in 2024, up from 81% in 2022
Evolving to meet farmers’ needs
Nestlé is adjusting the program based on feedback from families and partners. The next phase will simplify the incentive structure for clearer and faster implementation. Incentives will now center on two core areas: farm support (pruning) and household support (schooling), while continuing to deliver a broad set of activities.
“Since launching the Income Accelerator Program pilot in 2020, we have continuously refined our approach based on feedback from farming families and independent evaluations,” said Darrell High, Nestlé Cocoa Manager. “This report confirms that even in a challenging year, the program is making a real difference, which is very encouraging.”
Scaling impact through partnership
Nestlé’s commitment to scaling the program in Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana demonstrates its long-term vision for more equitable and sustainable cocoa farming. The company’s collaborative approach is gaining traction, inviting governments and industry players to join in expanding the program’s reach and results.
Learn more at www.nestle.com.