Cocoa farmers working together
About Us

Our Story

Building a more connected, transparent, and sustainable cocoa value chain for farmers, buyers, and communities alike.

The Beginning

A Vision Born from Listening

SCAVAL was founded with a simple but powerful vision: to build a more connected, transparent, and sustainable cocoa value chain that works for everyone,from farmers and cooperatives to buyers and communities.

Our journey began by listening to farmers. A smallholder cocoa farmer on an island in Lake Victoria shared the challenges of accessing extension services, quality farm inputs, and reliable market information. Similar stories were echoed by farmers in Bundibugyo and Kabarole. Despite growing a high-value crop, many farmers lacked the support and knowledge needed to fully benefit from the cocoa market.

SCAVAL was created to bridge this gap. By combining market intelligence, traceability, digital tools, and access to essential services, we empower farmers to make informed decisions, improve productivity, and connect with better market opportunities. At the same time, we provide buyers with trusted, traceable, and high-quality cocoa.

We believe sustainable cocoa production is about more than growing quality cocoa; It is about improving livelihoods, strengthening communities, protecting the environment, and creating a prosperous future for the next generation of cocoa farmers.

"When farmers have access to knowledge, markets, and trusted networks, cocoa becomes more than a crop, it becomes a pathway to prosperity."
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SCAVAL Leadership
Strategic Insight
visibility
Vision

Transforming cocoa value chains through technology, transparency, and sustainable partnerships

A future where every cocoa farmer thrives, every buyer trusts the origin of their beans, and every community benefits from the value they help create.

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Mission

To connect cocoa farmers with markets, knowledge, and services that improve productivity, ensure traceability, and create lasting value for all stakeholders.

  • check_circle Empower farmers with data-driven insights and best practices
  • check_circle Deliver full traceability from farm gate to buyer
  • check_circle Build lasting partnerships that generate shared prosperity
Our Footprint

Impact & Sustainability

SCAVAL is committed to measurable, lasting change across the cocoa value chain.

300+
Farmers Empowered

Across Uganda

12
Cooperatives Partnered

Direct origin relationships

2,500t
Annual Volume Verified

Traceable & audited

92%
Farmer Satisfaction

2024 impact survey

Leadership Team

Driving Transformation

The SCAVAL Leadership Team brings together expertise in agriculture, technology, market systems, research, and sustainable development.

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Grace Akello

CEO & Co-Founder

15+ years in agricultural value chains and social enterprise development across East Africa.

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Dr. Samuel Ochieng

Chief Agronomy Officer

PhD in Sustainable Agriculture, specializing in climate-smart cocoa production systems.

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Martha Nambi

Head of Market Systems

Former trade specialist with deep expertise in commodity pricing and buyer relationships.

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James Musinguzi

Director of Operations

10 years managing logistics and supply chains across East African agricultural sectors.

Driven by a shared commitment to transforming the cocoa sector, the team works closely with farmers, cooperatives, buyers, financial institutions, and development partners.
Trusted Network

Partners & Certifications

SCAVAL works alongside leading organizations and upholds rigorous certification standards to ensure integrity and impact.

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Rainforest Alliance

Certified sustainable farming practices across all partner cooperatives.

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UTZ Certified

Full traceability and responsible sourcing across our supply chain.

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Fairtrade International

Ensuring fair prices and premiums for smallholder cocoa farmers.

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World Cocoa Foundation

Strategic partner in advancing sustainable cocoa sector development.

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Blockchain Verified

Immutable ledger ensuring origin integrity and ethical sourcing.

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Regenerative Agriculture Verified

Commitment to soil health and biodiversity restoration.

Impact & Sustainability

Creating Prosperity
for Generations

We are committed to measurable outcomes for farmers, for communities, and for the planet.

300+
Farmers
1.5M+
Trees Planted
35%
Avg. Yield Increase
100%
Traceable Supply
Cocoa community impact
Community-Led Development
"Cocoa is our heritage — SCAVAL helps us protect it."