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- PUM’s Collaboration with Mouvement des PME: Transformative Projects in Ivory Coast
PUM's Collaboration with Mouvement des PME: Transformative Projects in Ivory Coast
Last year in October, during the SARA2023 agricultural and food processing trade fair in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, PUM signed a significant cooperation agreement with Mouvement des PME (movement for SMEs). This collaboration has already borne fruit, with three projects completed recently under this agreement. These projects illustrate a steadfast commitment to fostering sustainable practices and empowering local communities.
Project 1: Strengthening Crop Resilience with Canaan Land Africa
Gerrit Vermeer, PUM expert Horticulture, worked closely with Canaan Land Africa to tackle one of their most pressing challenges: adapting vegetable production in response to climate change. With climate change causing unprecedented heat waves, it became imperative to rethink agricultural practices and develop effective adaptation strategies.
Gerrit created a strategy to improve both the quantity and quality of vegetable production while strengthening crop resilience. His guidance was instrumental in navigating the challenges posed by climate change. Together with Gerrit, the team explored the areas of Toumodi and Yamoussoukro, laying the groundwork for a sustainable agricultural future.
“We would like to express our deep appreciation to Gerrit Vermeer for his expertise and commitment to our company. His experience and passion for a sustainable agricultural future have been critical catalysts for our success. We look forward to implementing Gerrit’s recommendations and continuing to make progress on the path to agricultural sustainability,” said Canaan Land Africa in their LinkedIn post about the collaboration.
Project 2: Revolutionising Organic Farming with BiomassIvoire
Bauke Rouwers, PUM Theme Coordinator, collaborated with Justin Kra, the founder of BiomassIvoire. His innovative company is leading the charge towards agri-ecological and organic farming in Ivory Coast by developing organic fertilizer products that empower farmers to transition to sustainable practices. With soil quality eroding and field yields diminishing, the need for sustainable agriculture has never been more urgent.
Bauke and Justin worked together to draft a comprehensive business plan for BiomassIvoire, including marketing and sales strategies designed to propel the company to new heights. Their efforts have paved the way for a 10-fold increase in sales, setting a clear action plan in motion.
Project 3: Empowering Women Entrepreneurs with Jus Paly
Bauke also had the opportunity to collaborate with Jacqueline Djire, the dynamic female entrepreneur behind Jus Paly, an artisanal juice company in Abidjan. Inspired by her youngest daughter, Paly, Jacqueline’s passion is reflected in every bottle of juice, with flavors such as Bissap, Ginger, Baobab, and Citron showcasing her commitment to quality and innovation.
Jus Paly is more than just a juice company; it’s a force for good in the local community. By utilising surplus fruits and supporting female farmers, Jacqueline is not only reducing food waste but is also empowering women in the supply chain.
Bauke and Jacqueline worked together to enhance Jus Paly’s business model, crafting a strategy that leverages existing resources and capabilities to achieve exponential growth. Jacqueline’s vision revealed a potential 7-fold growth within the next year, highlighting the resilience and determination of women entrepreneurs in Abidjan.
“As Jacqueline’s journey unfolds, I am honored to continue providing guidance and support. Her vision for spectacular growth is not only inspiring but also a testament to the resilience and determination of women entrepreneurs in Abidjan,” said Bauke Rouwers. Read more: Empowering Women in the Beverage Industry.
Looking Ahead
These projects underscore the potential of international collaboration in addressing local challenges and driving sustainable development. PUM’s partnership with Mouvement des PME is a testament to the power of knowledge-sharing and the impact that can be achieved when communities come together to work towards common goals.
Interested in this project? Get in touch with
Hervé Touan
Representative Ivory Coast, Abidjan
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