** Jean-Eudes Kacou: A daring course in the world of pepper in Côte d’Ivoire **
Côte d’Ivoire is often associated with its cocoa and its cashewers, two pillars of the country’s agricultural economy. However, in the Tiassalé region, a young farmer has chosen to distance himself from traditional choices by focusing on a less widespread culture: pepper. Jean-Eudes Kacou, creator of the Kapécé brand, illustrates this daring initiative which is part of a desire to revitalize local agriculture while preserving the environment.
** A family story rich in inheritance **
The story of Jean-Eudes and Kapécé begins in the family garden of Abidjan, where her mother, Louise, tenderly evokes the memory of her late husband, Kacou Pierre-Clavere. The Kapécé logo, abbreviated by the name of the latter, testifies not only to a family inheritance but also of deep respect for the roots of their history. Jean-Eudes, aware of this legacy, decided to continue the work of his father, a former high magistrate passionate about agriculture.
Jean-Eudes’ will to cultivate organic pepper, far from conventional practices, is part of a desire to promote local specificity. This approach, which may seem risky in a country whose agricultural landscape is largely dominated by cocoa, challenges by its singularity and its valuation potential.
** Towards an eco -responsible agriculture **
Jean-Eudes Kacou has undertaken a significant turn in his production method. By abandoning chemicals for more than eleven years, he has chosen to opt for natural agriculture, making it possible to produce quality instead of quantity. This transition raises crucial questions: what are the challenges of agriculture that respects the environment in a country in full development? This also suggests the prospects of another agricultural model, where sustainability takes precedence over simple profitability.
“It is not only a question of cultivating, but of transforming our agriculture to live from our land,” he underlines. This philosophy of transformation is also manifested in the exploitation of pepper: in addition to its culture, Jean-Eudes intends to enhance his product by innovative and environmentally friendly methods, thus creating a renowned product, but also a local economic dynamic.
** A recognition challenge: IGP on the horizon **
The project to obtain a protected geographical indication (IGP) for Tiassalé pepper represents an ambitious objective. Like Penja pepper in Cameroon, which already benefits from such recognition, IGP could not only provide a quality label, but provide a guarantee of income and opportunities for other local producers. This approach underlines the importance of collaboration within the agricultural community, where everyone could benefit from a collective reputation linked to a product of excellence.
Delphine Marie-Vivien, researcher at CIRAD, highlights the collective dimension of this ambition. “The reputation of a product linked to a geographical location enhances the value of production and promotes a promotion of local know-how,” she says. Consequently, the IGP becomes an engine not only of recognition, but also of solidarity between producers.
** A local dynamic at the service of the Abidjan tables **
The success of Jean-Eudes Kacou is not limited to his farm. Renowned chefs, such as Bruno Oustric, chef at the Tiama hotel, applauds the quality of Kapécé pepper. “A very good product that you don’t find elsewhere. It is an approach to enhance local products that deserves to be encouraged, ”he says. This institutional and local support testifies to the growing importance of short circuits and the valuation of endogenous resources.
By encouraging local products, Jean-Eudes also participates in a dynamic that goes beyond simple trade. This approach makes it possible to break dependence on imported ingredients, often more expensive, and promotes food autonomy which could offer responses to current economic challenges.
** Conclusion: A way to explore for Ivorian agriculture **
The journey of Jean-Eudes Kacou and his Tiassalé pepper project is indicative of an initiative that could inspire other actors in the agricultural sector in Côte d’Ivoire. Between culture of innovation, respect for the environment and valuation of local heritage, this example testifies to changing agriculture, capable of reinventing itself while preserving the riches of a family and cultural heritage.
While the country continues to evolve, these experiences could open tracks for more inclusive, sustainable and concerned about the environment. The path to obtaining an IGP is still strewn with pitfalls, but it could still mark a turning point in the recognition of Ivorian products on the international scene. Thus, Jean-Eudes Kacou is not content to cultivate pepper; He also cultivates hopes for the future of agriculture in Côte d’Ivoire.