Since its independence, 90% of Ivory Coast’s natural forests have been deforested with the expansion of cocoa production as the main driver. Thriving ecosystems have been destroyed by the extensive uncontrolled use of pesticides, the increase in cocoa diseases and destructive monocultures such as hevea and illegal farming with devastating consequences.
Today cacao farmers yield on average 100-150kg cacao per cultivated hectare compared to 1-1.5 tonnes a few years ago and they predict that unless some drastic changes are made there will be no cocoa left in 30 years . In stark contrast farmers using regenerative agriculture techniques have shown 1 hectare plot takes only 3 years to regenerate and yields on average 1 to 1.5 tonnes of cocoa a year and increase the value of their beans 70 x by transforming the raw material and creating derivatives such as soap & oil.
As the world's leading cocoa exporter this impending crisis will have drastic and irreversible consequences on the environment, the economy, food security, living standards and future generations.
This project focuses on inspirational young male & female farmers located in small communities in the mountainous Western region of Ivory Coast surrounding the classified Cavally forest. Divo, Guiglo, Armanikro and Azaguë are all villages or areas who have adopted smart farming techniques that are efficient, resilient, and adapted to the changing context in Cote d’Ivoire and improve the sustainability and household income security of cocoa farms.
Born to a Senegalese father and a French mother of Indian and Russian descent, I craft narratives that examine the intricate interplay of memory, tradition, and community. Growing up in a multicultural, politically active family, my work focuses on Africa's development challenges and opportunities shedding light on social inequalities and complex identities.
As a documentary photographer and graduate of the London School of Economics and the London College of Communication, I approach storytelling through a multidisciplinary lens. My experience at the African Development Bank, United Nations, and Amnesty International shaped my understanding of socio-political dynamics, which now informs my photographic vision.
My photography amplifies underrepresented voices, exploring the tension between modernity and tradition in Africa. It serves as an artistic and investigative medium to highlight resilience, cultural preservation, and community strength. Through evocative imagery, I aim to uncover the profound and inspiring dimensions of human existence, fostering understanding, compassion, and change.