ICT and AG Profile: CocoaLink

Supported by USAID’s Fostering Agriculture Competitiveness Employing Information Communication Technologies (FACET) project under the FIELD-Support LWA, this profile discusses CocoaLink. CocoaLink is a farmer outreach program that uses voice and text messages for two-way communication via a dedicated mobile phone shortcode. It enables cocoa farmers to send text or photo inquiries directly to experts for diagnostic help and receive practical and timely agricultural and other information. The CocoaLink messaging platform is complemented by weekly education sessions to train farmers on mobile phone usage, agronomy and social issues, such as child labor. Since its launch in 2011, CocoaLink has developed over 55 messages on cocoa agronomy, child labor, and malaria. Over 100,000 SMS have been delivered since July 2011.

The FACET project aims to help USAID missions and their implementing partners in sub-Saharan Africa use information and communications technology in sustainable and scalable approaches to improve the impact of their agriculture related development projects.