Olam Agri launches Project Dêmin to ease transport strain in Côte d’Ivoire’s rubber sector

CÔTE D’IVOIRE – Olam Agri has rolled out a logistics support programme for rubber producers in Côte d’Ivoire as transport costs and delays continue to weigh on farm incomes.

The company launched Project Dêmin, meaning “support” in Malinké, in Abengourou on December 23.

The initiative allows loyal suppliers to access vehicles and transport equipment through a structured financing partnership, with a clear focus on moving cup lump rubber more quickly from farms to collection points.

Logistics remains one of the biggest constraints in Côte d’Ivoire’s rubber value chain. When evacuation slows, quality drops and farmers lose income.

Olam Agri says Project Dêmin responds directly to this gap by easing access to transport and reducing dependence on intermediaries.

Vijeth Shetty, Global Head of Rubber at Olam Agri, said the programme places farmers at the centre of growth plans. “The Dêmin programme reflects our deep commitment to empowering farmers and strengthening the entire value chain. We believe that growth in agriculture begins with those at its roots: our producer partners. By facilitating access to essential logistics and financing solutions, we are not only improving productivity but also investing in long-term resilience. Together, we are building a stronger, more sustainable future for Côte d’Ivoire’s rubber sector,” he said.

Why transport shapes farm incomes

Côte d’Ivoire leads Africa in natural rubber production and ranks fourth globally. Output exceeded 1.6 million tons in 2023, up from 1.01 million tons in 2020, marking a sharp rise in just three years. The country now supplies close to 80 percent of West Africa’s rubber.

Smallholders produce about 75 to 80 percent of this volume, often on farms measuring two to five hectares. For many, transport costs absorb between 20 and 30 percent of revenue. Poor rural roads extend evacuation time by 30 to 50 percent during rainy seasons.

When cup lump rubber sits too long, quality falls and prices can drop by 10 to 15 percent. As a result, farmers often sell at discounted farm gate prices to middlemen who control transport.

Project Dêmin aims to reduce these pressures by shortening evacuation times, limiting quality loss and lowering overall transport costs.

Mohideen Basha, Director of Sustainable Procurement for Rubber at Olam Agri, said logistics access plays a central role in long term stability. “Empowering farmers isn’t just good business, it’s the foundation of a resilient and sustainable future. True sustainability starts with empowering those at the roots of the value chain. Through Project Dêmin, we’re not just offering logistic solutions, we’re creating pathways for growth, and shared prosperity in Côte d’Ivoire’s rubber sector,” he said.

Market outlook and long term plans

Rubber stands as Côte d’Ivoire’s second largest agricultural export after cocoa, with export earnings above US$2.5 billion in 2023. Production could reach 2 million tons by 2030 as new plantings mature and smallholder output expands.

Global demand for natural rubber is expected to grow by 2 to 3 percent each year, supported by auto sector recovery, rising EV tyre demand and industrial growth in Asia.

Prices may remain moderately firm due to supply pressure in Southeast Asia, climate related disruptions and rising demand for responsibly sourced rubber.

Project Dêmin builds on Olam Agri’s Gouassou loyalty and Nassey community support programmes, reinforcing the company’s push for stronger suppliers, steadier supply flows and improved incomes across Côte d’Ivoire’s rubber sector.

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