Shared Interest Foundation

14/10/2026

High in the hills of Kabwohe, Uganda, the farmers of (BCS) are experiencing the lows that come with climate change pressures which threaten the yield and quality of their coffee, destabilising livelihoods and manifesting uncertain futures. ​

To compound matters, farmers in Uganda have limited access to the technologies, seed varieties and training necessary to adapt to these challenges and build resilience. ​

Shared Interest Foundation's latest project is tackling this issue directly. Our climate-smart coffee initiative will deliver specialised training, demonstration plots, shade trees, fruit trees and a radio broadcast initiative, building the knowledge, skills and resources of farmers, whilst reducing harvest losses and improving soil health, crop yield and coffee quality. ​

This project is made possible with funding support from as part of its programme co-ordinated by ADA - Appui au Développement Autonome.​

In our blog, hear from Judith, our Project Officer in Uganda, who visited BCS to meet members and see how the project is unfolding. ​

Read blog: https://ow.ly/4TmO50ZXwAl​

12/10/2026

In 2024, Shared Interest Foundation launched a transformative project in Côte d'Ivoire, in partnership with Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Réseau Ivoirien du commerce du Commerce Equitable and experts from the Department of Crop Science, University of Ghana.

This 18-month project culminated in the development of an innovative, cost-effective biopesticide which protects farmers' cocoa trees from pests and disease whilst increasing their level of cocoa production 📈

Côte d'Ivoire is the world's leading cocoa producer, accounting for over 40% of global supply. Cocoa is the country’s most important cash crop, providing employment for around 600,000 farming families and supporting the livelihoods of nearly six million people 💸

However, cocoa farmers are increasingly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, which has led to a surge in pests and diseases🪳

These challenges are causing annual yield losses of 25–30%, and in severe cases, up to 75% when left untreated. The widespread use of chemical pesticides is further degrading soil fertility and polluting water sources.

With significant environmental, economic and social added value, the innovation of this project positions itself as a credible alternative to conventional pesticides, contributing to the preservation of ecosystems, protection of farmers' health, improvement of agricultural productivity and strengthening of livelihoods.

Hear from project stakeholders in this short film, transcribed to English, which is from a news segment on Radiodiffusion Télévision Ivoirienne (RTI), Côte d'Ivoire's state public broadcaster 🎬

Watch film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFL3UIrXUuY

In 2024, Shared Interest Foundation launched a transformative proje...

30/09/2026

Our soilless farming project with Sacaclí in Jinotega, northern Nicaragua, has supported 60 women with training, resources and facilities to thrive.​

​Within the 12-month project, 40 women engaged in crop production and training, whilst 20 women participated in financial and business-oriented training.​

Learn more about this project:​ https://www.shared-interest.com/gb/blog/empowering-women-through-vegetable-cultivation-nicaragua-end-project-report​

Support our work:​
https://www.shared-interest.com/gb/support-our-charity/ways-donate​

24/09/2026

Across spring and summer, Shared Interest Foundation has worked with the producers of Tierra de Jóvenes Y Mujeres to strengthen agricultural practices, deliver tool kits and plant seedlings, improving the cocoa quality, yield and skills harnessed by farmers.​

To date, project impacts include:​

🪴 Planting of 25,000 disease-resistant seedlings​
🔨 Provision of 100 tool kits to support independent practice of new production methods​
💡 Delivery of workshops on new pruning techniques and plant nutrition​
🔎 Delivery of training developed with specialist field technicians responding to distinct challenges in different field zones​
📖 Visual learning resources for farmers to follow workshop materials with infographics.​
⛑️ Provision of workshop materials to build the capacity of producers to operate independently​
🐛 Application of fertiliser to cocoa plots by field technicians, mitigating threats of pest and diseases and enhancing soil nutrition​

Learn more about this project:​
https://www.shared-interest.com/gb/support-our-charity/empowering-women-and-youth/growing-fairer-futures-improving-cocoa-production-smallholder-cocoa-farmers-peru​

Support our work:​
https://www.shared-interest.com/gb/support-our-charity/ways-donate​

Image 1: Provision of training equipment to the native community San Ene
Image 2: Practical training in pruning techniques carried out by field technician

16/09/2026

The northern region of Nicaragua produces 60% of the country’s food crops. Despite this, women often struggle to access markets and own their own farmland. Meanwhile, the impacts of climate change are increasing the frequency of climate shocks, which affect crop quality and yield.​

In response, the Technical Assistance team at Cooperativa SM Sacaclí R.L. has worked with Shared Interest Foundation to establish a new soilless farming enterprise, enabling participants to diversify into sustainable food crop production to effectively boost incomes and secure livelihoods.​

Learn more about this project:​ https://ow.ly/v31350ZNsSg​

Support our work:​
https://ow.ly/FkTi50ZNsSe​

13/08/2026

Shared Interest Foundation delivers a variety of projects which empower young people across the globe to play an active role in supply chains and earn a stable and meaningful income. ​

From our active beekeeping-cocoa integration project with Cayat - Coopérative Agricole de Yakasse-Attobrou in Côte d’Ivoire, to our banana fibre production project with Texfad and Rwenzori Sustainable Trade Centre in Uganda, our youth-focussed projects foster inclusive and equitable futures for young people, creating generational impact in communities and supply chains across the globe.

Support young farmers and artisans today. ​
​
Donate:​
https://ow.ly/Bblj50ZzkSq​

08/07/2026

We look forward to hosting a webinar as part of ITC SheTrades initiative, which is supporting women-led businesses across Africa to access finance. ​

​You can join our session, 'Getting credit ready: Risk, collateral and building relationships with lenders' on Monday, 13th July at 3pm CEST.

Shared Interest is co-delivering this initiative alongside Ecobank Group
and .​

Sign up to the free virtual sessions here:​
https://ow.ly/TwSO50Zl938

International Trade Centre

12/06/2026

This 12-month pilot project focused on building the capacity of 21 co-operatives across Africa and Latin America, enabling them to increase profitability and sustainability, and better meet the needs of their producer members. ​

These organisations produce a variety of commodities, including coffee, cocoa, honey and hibiscus. These organisations are also being supported through finance from Shared Interest Society.​

Help us to build a fairer world.​

Donate today: ​
https://ow.ly/AOhC50YvcaE​

Read more in our Annual Review:​
https://ow.ly/YEE650Yvcaz​

05/06/2026

In partnership with Cooperativa SM Sacaclí R.L. this project supported 40 women farmers to produce cherry tomatoes and chilli peppers to generate a vital and sustainable additional source of income.​

Help us to build a fairer world.​

Donate today: ​
https://ow.ly/4f2i50YvbZK​

Read more in our Annual Review:​
https://ow.ly/hOLp50YvbZM​

29/05/2026

Launched 12 months ago, this project is empowering 200 artisans (80% women and young people) from four craft associations by improving their livelihoods through the sustainable use of banana fibre as an alternative eco-friendly production material.​

Help us to build a fairer world.​

Donate today: ​
https://ow.ly/6she50YvbEa​

Read more in our Annual Review:​
https://ow.ly/ll9L50YvbE9​