*Guest blog by Michael Tomascik, Public Affairs team, Ottawa
Now I am not a psychic, but I could wager that probably more than half of you reading the blog this morning either have a cup of coffee within arm’s reach, or have one in your hands right now. Everyone loves a good morning cup of joe!
Chocolate and coffee lovers will be interested to hear that the International Red Cross has recently wrapped up operations in the western region of Côte d’Ivoire, restoring and improving nearly 11 000 hectares of coffee and cocoa crops. Côte d’Ivoire is known as one of the world’s leading producers and exporters of coffee and cocoa beans.
Support was needed after the post-election crisis earlier this year which had civilians and farmers facing serious acts of violence, forcing people to flee their homes and villages. During the crisis the ICRC provided aid to more than 28 500 people. People didn’t start returning to their homes and villages until the dispute ended on April 11th of this year. According to ICRC delegate, Tuo Dofere, people from rural areas who eventually returned to their farms found their granaries looted and fields overgrown with scrub. The ICRC, with the help of those affected, managed to restore many of the plantations back to working condition.
The restored farms are a much needed economy boost and are estimated to benefit around 13 500 people in the form of job opportunities and sustenance.
So the next time your sweet tooth is craving chocolate, or you’re sipping that morning brew, it’s quite possible that the beans used to make it were from none other than Côte d’Ivoire.