Impact

Better Agriculture for a Better Future

Their Impact to the Society

Ezra BR Agency's Impact Assessment Report

Ezra BR Agency's Impact Assessment Report outlines the company's significant efforts in promoting sustainable cocoa sourcing in Western Uganda. The report highlights their environmental initiatives, including training smallholder farmers in eco-friendly practices, resulting in reduced soil erosion and enhanced biodiversity. On the social front, Ezra BR's cocoa purchasing program has boosted farmer incomes, alleviated poverty, and empowered women and youth in the cocoa value chain. The company is dedicated to eradicating child labor, implementing a strict policy, and supporting education. Additionally, their robust monitoring and evaluation framework ensures adherence to local and international standards, reflecting Ezra BR's commitment to creating a positive impact on both the environment and the communities it serves.

  • Environmental Initiatives
  • Social Initiatives
  • Addressing Challenges and Risks
Environmental Initiatives
  • Promotion of Sustainable Farming Practices: Ezra BR promotes sustainable farming practices, including agroforestry and organic farming.
  • Positive Environmental Impact: Training sessions have led to a reduction in soil erosion, improved water quality, and increased biodiversity.
  • Farmer Training and Tree Planting: Approximately 2000 farmers have been trained, resulting in the planting of 1.2 million trees.
Social Initiatives
  • Cocoa Purchasing Program: Provided stable incomes to smallholder farmers, leading to poverty alleviation and improved living standards.
  • Three-Year Cocoa Sourcing: Over three years, Ezra BR sourced approximately 1900MT of cocoa, resulting in $3 million in farmer incomes.
  • Direct Sourcing: Direct sourcing from 5000 farmers, eliminating middlemen, is expected to increase farmer incomes by approximately $90,000 per year.
  • Access to Financial Services: Provided access to financial services and resources, including loans for school fees, with $3000 given in loan advances over the past two years.
  • Women and Youth Empowerment: Efforts have increased women's participation in the cocoa value chain.
  • Gender Equality: 33% of the management team is female.
  • Youth Employment: 48% of the overall workforce is female, contributing to gender equality and youth employment.
  • Job Creation: Over 1000 new jobs have been created in the company's value chain.
Addressing Challenges and Risks
  • No-Child-Labor Policy: Ezra BR has a strict no-child-labor policy, conducts regular monitoring, and supports education and alternative income-generating activities for families.
  • "Cocoa for Fees" Project: The "Cocoa for fees" project under Mabere Multipurpose Cooperative in Bundibugyo has significantly reduced child labor instances.
  • Monitoring and Evaluation Framework: The company has a robust monitoring and evaluation framework, including regular assessments, stakeholder consultations, and third-party audits, to ensure compliance with local and international standards.