Community Nursery
The Cocoa Horizons Foundation supports the establishment and operation of more than 1,400 Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) across the seven countries where we are present.
One of these VSLAs, located in Cameroon, was represented during our visit by Christelle Pleagy Bilai, Secretary General. In addition to managing savings and loans, the VSLA has launched two community‑driven income‑generating activities: poultry farming and a community tree nursery. These activities provide additional income for the community while strengthening collaboration and building knowledge among VSLA members.
Community nurseries serve multiple purposes. They enable local seedling production, reduce losses during transport, ensure good seed quality, improve traceability of distributed seeds, and increase women’s income within the communities. The Cocoa Horizons Foundation’s on‑the‑ground team works closely with VSLAs to identify which seedlings - and how many - will be needed for the upcoming season. These seedlings are then cultivated by the community, and the Foundation purchases them for distribution to cocoa farmers registered in the Cocoa Horizons Program, supporting farm rejuvenation and agroforestry implementation
Christelle’s VSLA produces only cocoa seedlings. She keeps detailed records of work schedules, member participation, and attendance. The care of the nursery is carried out mainly by women in the community, reinforcing local ownership, learning, and leadership of women in the community.
“What I like most is the opportunity to travel outside my community when I am commissioned by the association. This is something I have not done since I got married.”
— Christelle Pleagy Bilai, VSLA Secretary
This model strengthens communities through knowledge sharing, infrastructure investments, and long‑term economic benefits for cocoa-growing communities