Cocoa is not only one of the key ingredients of our world-renowned chocolate brands, we know it can also have a big impact on the environment and society at large. The cocoa supply chain is vast and complicated. This is why our main focus is on helping cocoa-growing communities improve their livelihoods, empowering them to thrive. Learn more about our vision to help create a more modern, inclusive, and sustainable cocoa ecosystem where everyone is empowered to thrive by visiting Mars.com. 

Our vision at Mars for a more inclusive cocoa supply chain means one that helps address the complex and ongoing challenges facing cocoa and one where everyone has access to better opportunities. We’re helping by:

• Fostering partnerships that help create economic opportunities for cocoa-growing communities
• Collaborating with governments and nonprofits help to empower women both socially and economically
• Working with the industry to help promote access to safe, quality education for those in cocoa-growing communities through coalitions like the Jacobs Foundation’s Child Learning and Education Facility or with nonprofits like Lead for Ghana

A history with CARE

Starting in 2016, we have worked with the international humanitarian organization CARE(open in new tab) to help improve the livelihoods of cocoa farming families by funding the Women for Change program. 

Numerous studies demonstrate that enabling greater participation of women in businesses, communities and economies delivers measurable benefits. Women can influence the household quality of life and play a key role in their children’s welfare and education, food security, nutrition and health, helping to drive the long-term prospects for a future of thriving cocoa farming households and communities. Therefore, programs that promote women’s empowerment and capacity building are vital to helping them develop the knowledge and skills they need to protect their children and provide them with experiences and opportunities to learn and grow.

Building a foundation

We knew we could help. In 2016, together with CARE, we developed a Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLA) model, designed to economically empower women by promoting financial inclusion and innovation.

The VSLAs are self-managed groups that provide a safe place for women (and men) to save money and access small loans to help them develop their businesses. They also help members develop leadership, financial literacy and entrepreneurship skills, and gain the confidence to secure larger loans to make their businesses thrive.

Even a relatively small loan can be enough to buy fertilizer for the family farm, help grow a small business, or pay for healthcare and education expenses. 

By the end of 2024, the Women for Change program has reached at least 101,000 Women for Change VSLA members in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana, over 76% of whom are women. These VSLAs have generated more than $20.8 million in savings and credit, and $13.5 million in loans. 

A loan of just US$20-$50 can offer women the chance to buy fertilizer for the family farm, help grow a small business, or pay for healthcare and education expenses.