Yoro Sangaré | July 17, 2026
News Brief
In Pauly-Brousse, Cote d'Ivoire, Ms. Doumbia Affoussiata's plantation is more than just a cocoa field. Since 2001, she has been developing a farm that combines production, environmental protection, and financial independence. Today, she contributes to household expenses and her children's education by selling cocoa and trees planted amongst her three hectares of cocoa, including bitter cola and akpi. Having learned about this approach many years ago through awareness campaigns and a radio program, Ms. Doumbia is now spreading the word and supporting other farmers to adopt agroforestry.
In Pauly-Brousse, in the Sassandra department, Ms. Doumbia Affoussiata’s plantation is more than just a cocoa field. It’s a model. Since 2001, she has been developing a farm that combines production, environmental protection, and financial independence.
Of its 3.5 hectares, three are dedicated to cocoa cultivation. The remaining half-hectare is reserved for reforestation. This choice, made from the outset, reflects a long-term vision: to produce without depleting the resources.
Ms. Doumbia didn’t discover agroforestry by chance. Representatives from the national agency for rural development, ANADER, introduced her to its principles during an awareness campaign in the village,. She received training and plants. But it was the radio that solidified her commitment. Agricultural programs on Radio Assah’di detailed the techniques, explained the spacing between trees, clarified the role of shade and its impact on soil moisture. “The radio reassured me,” she says.
In a rural environment where agricultural practices are often passed down from generation to generation, this technical support broadcast on air was crucial. The repeated interventions of technicians helped to solidify the knowledge and encourage action.
In practical terms, the agroforestry implemented by Ms. Doumbia involves integrating useful trees into her cocoa plantation and intercropping her food plot. The results are evident. In shaded areas, the soil retains more moisture. The cocoa plants there are healthier than in areas without tree cover. The integration of trees reduces the effects of drought and strengthens the plantation’s resilience.
In addition to this ecological dimension, there is a tangible economic impact. The trees generate supplementary income. Bitter kola is sold for between 3,000 and 4,000 CFA francs per kilogram ($5.20 – 7.00 US), and represents a significant source of income at harvest time. The djansang tree (Ricinodendron heudelotii) is also a sought-after product. Agroforestry has thus helped Ms. Doumbia to diversify her income, creating greater resilience. .
This strategy has strengthened her financial independence. Ms. Doumbia contributes to her children’s education and actively participates in household expenses. Her husband supported her in this approach, facilitating the integration of new practices within the family farm.
Notably, the adoption of agroforestry was not accompanied by any major difficulties. Thanks to training provided by ANADER and explanations received on the radio, the transition was seamless. The only occasional challenge concerns the availability of seeds. From a technical standpoint, the practice is well-established.
Gradually, Ms. Doumbia became a local authority. As president of an association with over 100 women, she initiated the creation of a community listening group in 2023. Around 28 women participate regularly. Together, they listen to agricultural programs, share information, and try out the techniques they have learned.
Initially, convincing people to adopt agroforestry wasn’t easy. She had to explain, demonstrate, and argue her case. She shared the lessons learned from ANADER and information she’d heard on the radio. She showed that trees protect crops, retain moisture, and generate income. The concrete example of her own plot of land finally convinced them.
Today, several women in the group practice agroforestry on their farms. Men from the village and other localities are also interested. The information disseminated by the radio has transformed into community practice.
Ms. Doumbia now participates in the programs herself as a guest. Her journey illustrates a virtuous cycle: from being the beneficiary of awareness-raising, she becomes an information relay. From listener, she becomes a speaker. From producer, she becomes a role model.
