Building trust and sustainability in partnerships with farmers

Koumbou explains that the daily dialogue with the farmers is facilitated by a structured system of supervisors and foremen who maintain close contact with their assigned farmers. Each supervisor is responsible for a group of farmers, visits them at least once a month and can be reached by phone at any time. This frequent communication is crucial to understanding the farmers' needs and responding quickly to concerns.

HPW also uses the "Cropin" software as a database to track farmers' requests and provide needed resources such as fertilisers and agrochemicals. In this way, farmers receive what they need in good time and problems are tackled efficiently. According to Koumbou, this system ensures that HPW can always respond to farmers' needs, creating trust and responsiveness.

At HPW, recognising the work of the farmers is a cornerstone of the partnership's success. Koumbou reports that HPW holds meetings with farmers at the end of each harvest season to discuss the season's performance. These meetings not only provide technical feedback, but are also an opportunity to praise the most successful farmers in terms of quality and crop quantity.

While there is no formal reward system, Koumbou emphasises that appreciation is embedded in daily interactions with farmers. Through feedback and public recognition, HPW creates a culture of continuous improvement and motivation.

HPW is committed to improving agricultural practices in order to increase both the yield and the profitability of farmers. Koumbou explains two specific examples: In pineapple farming, the introduction of a block farming system and intensive training has enabled farmers to increase yields from 10-15 tonnes per acre to up to 20 tonnes per acre. This increase in productivity leads directly to higher profits and enables farmers to cover their costs and achieve better financial results.

For mango farmers, HPW has introduced tree pruning to control diseases and ensure that the fruit gets enough sunlight to develop the desired sweetness. Prior to this training, farmers allowed mango trees to grow unchecked, leading to disease and sub-optimal fruit quality. Pruning has significantly improved both the health of the trees and the quality of the fruit.

As one of the largest buyers and processors of fruit in West Africa, HPW faces the challenge of maintaining high quality standards when processing large quantities of fruit from different regions. Koumbou emphasises the importance of clear and consistent standards that all farmers must adhere to, regardless of their location or specific climatic conditions.

While regional differences such as different climates influence the cultivation process, HPW uses its agricultural expertise to adapt inputs and practices to local conditions. For example, farmers in drier regions require less fungicide than those in wetter areas. Through this region-specific customisation, HPW ensures quality and helps farmers meet global standards.

Trust is central to the success of HPW's partnerships with farmers. Koumbou explains that transparency and clear communication about expectations and challenges are crucial to fostering long-term relationships. "If farmers don't make money, they won't continue, and without farmers we have no future," he emphasises. This interdependence emphasises the importance of farmer profitability and the need to adapt to challenges such as climate change and available land.

HPW's training programmes on sustainable farming practices and climate change adaptation help farmers secure their future in the industry. Through continuous education and resources, HPW ensures that farmers remain competitive and can survive despite external challenges.

In conclusion, HPW's partnerships with farmers can be traced back to the values of trust, appreciation and shared success. Through structured exchange, targeted support and a commitment to improving cultivation methods, HPW ensures that both the company and its partners can grow sustainably together.

As Koumbou Some said in the interview: "We are partners." This simple phrase reflects HPW's core approach - to work hand in hand with farmers to create a sustainable and prosperous future for all.

As Koumbou Some said in his interview, "We are partners." This simple statement reflects the core of HPW's approach-working hand-in-hand with farmers to build a sustainable and prosperous future for all.