The lack of systematic data to assess the role of associated species in cocoa agroforests in improving household living conditions is an obstacle to their promotion. Our study provides the first comprehensive analysis in Côte d’Ivoire of the contribution of cocoa-based agroforests to the economy of cocoa-bean-producing households. Our findings show that the average weekly income of female traders ranges from 620 CFA francs for taro to 25,800 CFA francs for plantains in young cocoa plantations, while it ranges from 630 CFA francs for mangoes to 12,800 CFA francs for avocados in mature cocoa plantations. More than 55% of the female traders surveyed say they are very satisfied, compared to 20.95% who say they are not satisfied with their profits. Additionally, the women highlighted difficulties related to road infrastructure, the purchase prices paid by wholesalers, the management of unsold inventory, and product availability, which hinder the normal development of the sector for products derived from crops associated with cocoa. With income from sales, wives share household expenses with their husbands, and female heads of households provide for their families. This contribution to household expenses allows them to participate in family decision-making. Domesticating the most profitable companion species will enable women to become more financially independent and improve their households’ living conditions.

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 268 women in the Sous-préfecture of Kokumbo in central Côte d’Ivoire, in order to provide information on the role of women in the gathering, processing and marketing of products from species associated with cocoa trees in agroforestry systems. These interviews were coupled with direct observations alongside the women involved. The data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results of the investigations indicated that the majority of women (74.25%) of age to collect products from cocoa agroforests are between 16 and 50 years old. Over 65% of the women were illiterate, and 31.34% were heads of cocoa farms. The majority (41.05%) of women surveyed are actively involved in harvesting the associated products. Product processing in the study area is carried out entirely by women (100%). Processed products enable women to make better use of their produce. Also, it is during the lean season that the products bring in the most profit. Harvested produce is used primarily for household food consumption, with the surplus sold on the market. Income from the sale of cocoa products contributes to improving household living conditions, and also to the financial empowerment of women, while preserving the forest. The domestication of certain associated products should be envisaged by the women in order to have them available all year round for household consumption and eventual commercialization.

Women are key players in the agricultural sector in most developing countries. However, their roles in different agricultural production systems are often poorly known. The present study, conducted in the Centre of Côte d'Ivoire, aimed to highlight the main activities carried out by women in the management of cocoa-based agroforestry systems. To achieve this aim, interviews were conducted of 268 women involved in the management of cocoa agroforestry systems in six localities. Among them, more than 69 % are producers’ wives. The interviews helped identifying the activities performed by these women in these systems. The results show that women are mainly involved in the maintenance of the plantation (91.4 %) during the first year. They are more active in the creation of nurseries (28 %), in the plantation (37.7 %), in the harvest of cocoa pods (48.9 %), and in the maintenance of the beans (36.4 %). Despite this, it is clear that the majority of activities related to cocoa farming is the responsibility of men. More work with stakeholders (men and women) in all the producing areas will help to better understand the organization of work in cocoa agroforests to provide more information on women’s place in cocoa farming and their influence on the choice of species associated with cocoa trees.