Summary
This report follows up from the 2012 baseline study into the effects of UTZ certification of cocoa in Côte d’Ivoire, presenting independent endline study’s results. The researchers use mixed methods, gathering data from interviews with cocoa farmers in 2013 and 2017, as well as interviews with cooperative managers, UTZ and companies. Counterfactual, statistical and qualitative content analyses are applied, drawing comparisons between the results over time, as well as between UTZ-certified and non-certified farmers, and between farmers receiving different types and intensities of services. The pathways to impact are largely in line with the UTZ theory of change, however impacts have not been felt equally amongst farmers, and most have experienced only a marginal level of impact on crop productivity, income, and the environment. Recommendations for improved impact delivery include targeting interventions to farmers’ specific needs, and identifying barriers and enablers to improving sustainability in order to increase incentives for certification.