Evaluation of the UTZ Cocoa Program in Indonesia

UTZ wants to demonstrate its contribution to positive change on farm and sector levels and increase its future impact
The UTZ cocoa program took off in Indonesia in 2012. In 2014, already more than 20,000 farmers were part of the program. The program is growing rapidly with many groups in preparation phase for UTZ certification. It was important for UTZ to evaluate the results of the first steps taken while the program is still relatively young. Therefore, in 2014, UTZ commissioned Aidenvironment to carry out an independent evaluation of its cocoa program in Indonesia. The evaluation is meant to serve the dual purpose of demonstrating UTZ’s contribution to positive change on farm level and on sector transformation as well as creating a deeper understanding of how UTZ can increase its impact in the future.

Using a methodology focused at four impact pathways
Based on the UTZ’s Theory of Change, Aidenvironment has formulated four impact pathways being on: (1) productivity (including social and environmental performance), (2) cocoa quality, (3) market access, and (4) to creating a sustainable cocoa sector in Indonesia. For data collection Aidenvironment used a mixed method approach where by the findings of the survey data collected, field observations, key informant interviews and focus group discussions were aligned and compared to establish contribution of the program to the noted impact. Based on this process of triangulation, highly plausible evidence was established to answer the key research questions. In UTZ response on the evaluation several learnings from the evaluation are highlighted as well as the steps they undertake to further increase its impact at farm and sector level.

Click here to download the report
Click here to download UTZ response on the evaluation
Click here to find more information on Aidenvironment’s mixed methods approach

For more information, please contact Jan Joost Kessler