The Kilombero Valley, Morogoro Region, Tanzania

Kilombero is bordered on one side by the Udzungwa mountains, part of which is protected by a national park.

The founders of Kokoa Kamili were international development professionals who were frustrated by the top-down approach of many organizations. They decided that the most immediate form of benefit to the communities they work with would be to pay high prices for their products. This would allow farmers to decide for themselves how best to use this extra income. On average, farmers receive about 25% more payment for their cocoa from Kokoa Kamili. Besides

Kokoa Kamili distributes seedlings to farmers as donations or at a low price, and provides training to farmers to help increase both the yield and quality of the cocoa they grow.

Bronze Medal Academy of Chocolate