ORION SARL, an agricultural start-up founded by Jean-Paul Ogou, is leading a new wave of sustainable farming practices in Côte d’Ivoire, with a focus on cocoa and vanilla cultivation. Their commitment goes beyond mere production; it aims to restore Ivorian forest cover through innovative undergrowth farming methods. As the company highlights, “Stopping deforestation is a global challenge, driven mainly by unsustainable agricultural practices that degrade ecosystems. Cultivating in natural undergrowth helps maintain soil health and limits the environmental impact of farming. This is achieved by combining vanilla, fruit trees, and rare species with cocoa in an agroforestry system.”
Vanilla: A Sustainable Solution for Ivory Coast’s Agriculture
Vanilla, a plant that naturally thrives in the shade of forest undergrowth, has emerged as a promising alternative for sustainable agriculture in Côte d’Ivoire. In 2022, ORION SARL conducted a pilot study in the Mé region, specifically in Adzopé, to assess its potential. The results were encouraging. “Wild vanilla thrives under forest cover, making it ideal for agroforestry. We tested direct sowing and nursery-grown plants, and the results were highly promising. Vanilla benefits greatly from the shade of cocoa trees,” the company explained. This method aligns with environmental preservation efforts and the pursuit of carbon credits. ORION SARL’s approach involves identifying suitable stakes for vanilla within existing forests, which reduces the need for tree cutting. In more open areas, they reinforce vegetation by introducing stakes and planting new trees. With this system, the company has already established 5,000 vanilla plants over 3 hectares of agroforestry.
Reviving the Cocoa Bean’s Role in Ivorian Culture
Côte d’Ivoire is one of the world’s largest cocoa producers, yet the local population remains unfamiliar with the full potential of the cocoa bean beyond chocolate. Jean-Paul Ogou, the founder of ORION SARL, sees this as an opportunity for change: “We must promote the cocoa bean as a food. Many Ivorian farmers and consumers see it as synonymous with chocolate, which is not the case. The cocoa bean has many health benefits and can be enjoyed roasted or sweetened.” The start-up seeks to address this gap through on-site cocoa processing, creating various value-added products. With the support of local cooperatives, ORION SARL aims to make cocoa a staple in the Ivorian diet, allowing the country to fully benefit from this valuable crop.
A Partnership for Progress
ORION SARL’s project has strengthened ties with local farmers and cooperatives, offering mutual benefits. Beyond improving the environment and leveraging income from cocoa, the introduction of vanilla and carbon credits has created new revenue streams for farmers. “Vanilla supports biodiversity and reforestation, while also being a lucrative crop. When combined with cocoa, it provides a dual benefit for Ivorian farmers, helping cocoa thrive agronomically,” the company emphasized. This collaborative model aligns with ORION’s broader vision, paving the way for a more extensive reach across the country.
From Pilot to Implementation: Momentum Builds
ORION SARL transitioned from its pilot phase in Adzopé in 2022 to full-scale implementation in early 2023. Jean-Paul Ogou noted, “Since the start of 2023, we’ve been in the effective phase after completing the pilot (2022-2023). Our studies spanned two rainy and two dry seasons to evaluate project viability. We tested plants in less-than-ideal conditions, and they still thrived. We also cultivated cuttings in nurseries, which were gradually introduced into the forest.” With these efforts underway, vanilla has the potential to become a cornerstone of Ivorian reforestation efforts in the coming years.
Facing Challenges with Determination
Despite the progress, ORION SARL faces challenges like climate variability and deforestation, as well as the need for substantial funding. “Our main challenges are financing, climate conditions, and deforestation, all of which impact the productivity of our plantations. Cultivating vanilla requires significant resources and close collaboration with farmers to integrate it into reforestation efforts,” they explained. Securing funding is critical to address technical needs, prepare forest areas, and build essential infrastructure such as laboratories.
Redefining Agriculture in Côte d’Ivoire
ORION SARL aims to redefine Côte d’Ivoire’s approach to agriculture, positioning itself as a leader in sustainable farming and forest restoration through vanilla cultivation. By encouraging a deeper appreciation for local crops like cocoa and introducing vanilla as a profitable, eco-friendly option, the start-up aspires to shift mindsets and empower Ivorian farmers. Their approach presents a viable alternative to conventional, deforestation-heavy agricultural practices, creating a pathway to a greener, more resilient future for the region.
About Jean Paul Ogou
Jean-Paul Ogou, co-founder of Orion SARL, is a visionary leader transforming Côte d’Ivoire’s cocoa industry through sustainable farming practices and environmental stewardship. He advocates for agroforestry, integrating cocoa with other crops to enhance biodiversity, reforestation, and farmer income diversification.
His mission focuses on empowering farmers through education, promoting local cocoa processing and consumption to boost the economy, and shifting perceptions of cocoa from an export commodity to a source of national pride. Jean-Paul’s efforts are driving significant economic and environmental improvements, positioning him as a key figure in Côte d’Ivoire’s agricultural future.
