The Road to the Harvest

The sun looms over the terrain of the Ivory Coast, casting a burnt glow of red clay, developed and underdeveloped paved roads. December marks the height of cocoa season. For Arlene Summers, commercial manager of International Commodities, this journey is not just a business venture but a mission to bridge worlds. She has traveled thousands of miles to witness firsthand the intricate dance of sustainability and survival that defines the lives of the farmer collaborations here.

Her first day in the field begins with a jarring reality check: the roads, or rather, the lack thereof. A labyrinth of dusty tracks stretches ahead, carved into the landscape by years of wear and tear. The vehicle—an Audi—lurches forward, its wheels fighting for traction against the thick, unforgiving clay. Each bump in the road is a stark reminder of the challenges farmers face in transporting their harvest. For those without access to reliable transport, the stakes are high: uncollected harvest means wasted effort, lost income, and shattered hopes for a better future.

“It’s not just about growing the cocoa and other commodities during harvest season,” Arlene reflects as she grips the door handle, steadying herself against the jolts. “It’s about getting it to where it needs to go. Without that, all the hard work in the fields is for nothing.”

At the heart of ECAM’s mission lies a commitment to more than just sustainability; it’s about empowering farmers to break free from cycles of dependency. The organization doesn’t just train farmers in sustainable practices—it works to expand their resources, providing tools and knowledge to improve their livelihoods. For Arlene, these roads symbolize both the literal and figurative pathways that must be built to ensure progress.

As dusk falls, Arlene reflects on the day’s journey. The road to sustainability is long and fraught with obstacles, but it is also paved with hope for the up and coming experiences. For every pothole, there is a sapling; for every struggle, a story of resilience. The farmers of the Ivory Coast are not just producers of one of the world’s most beloved commodities; they are stewards of the land, custodians of a tradition, and, above all, dreamers of a better tomorrow.

Tomorrow, Arlene will delve deeper into seeing what the agenda brings, but tonight, she’s reminded of the simple truth that all progress begins with a journey—even if the road is rough.