Nestlé's Income Accelerator Programme

IDH is working with Nestlé’s Income Accelerator Programme (IAP). Smallholder cocoa farmers in Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana can receive - through mobile money - up to €500 annually for the first two years, with payments split equally between men and women in the household (to promote gender equality). As farmers increase their earnings through improved yields and diversified income, incentives are reduced to €250 per year after two years. 

To ensure effective implementation and long-term scalability of the Income Accelerator Program, IDH plays a key role by coordinating and chairing the Strategic Advisory Committee, which is part of the governance structure. This oversight helps streamline operations, align stakeholders, and create a framework for efficient expansion while also continuing to constructively gather input from relevant stakeholders for the strategic direction and continuous improvement of the program.  

By 2024, the program had expanded to 30,000 families in Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana, with a goal of reaching approximately 160,000 families by 2030. Early results show significant progress:

> Cocoa production increased by 32% due to improved farming practices focussing on pruning.

> Total household net incomes rose by 38%, bringing more families closer to a living income.

> 89% of children are now attending school, marking a 10% increase over 18 months. 

To find out more about the program, click here.