Workshop / Education

FCCI Cacao Academy at Harvard University

The FCCI Cacao Academy was developed in collaboration with the Fine Cacao and Chocolate Institute (FCCI) to improve knowledge exchange and sustainable capacity building across global cacao value chains. Responding to the challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic, the initiative pioneered innovative approaches to digital farmer education and peer learning.

Working together with international partners, researchers and practitioners, the project developed culturally appropriate digital learning formats that enabled cacao farmers, extension officers and value-chain stakeholders to continue exchanging knowledge despite travel restrictions. The Academy combined technical expertise on cacao quality with practical learning modules, digital collaboration tools and community-based knowledge sharing. The project illustrates how Open Social Innovation can strengthen sustainable agriculture by connecting academia, industry and farming communities through accessible digital education and collaborative innovation.