About SIFCA
SIFCA, an Ivorian agribusiness group founded in 1964, operates across the value chain from plantations to processing raw materials into finished and semi-finished goods. With operations in six countries and over 33,000 employees across 11 affiliates, SIFCA is a significant player in the African economy focusing on oil palm, sugar cane, and natural rubber.
Guided by their principles of responsibility, ethics, and quality, SIFCA has been a frontrunner in sustainability. In 2016, they committed to a “no deforestation” policy, adopting the High Carbon Stock (HCS) and High Conservation Value (HCV) approaches to preserve forest when developing new industrial plantations. As demand for credible deforestation-free supply chains increased, SIFCA recognised the need for robust, cost-efficient monitoring solutions.
Challenge
SIFCA’s forward-looking approach required advanced tools to monitor and manage deforestation risks in their supply chain. Given their upstream position in the supply chain, they needed precise, real-time data to influence their operations effectively and maintain their sustainability commitments. And then in 2023, when the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) came into force, they needed to ensure that they could provide the buyers of their commodities with compliant goods.
Solution
Satelligence partnered with SIFCA in 2020, providing satellite technology and data analytics to monitor deforestation across their sourcing landscapes in Cote D’Ivoire, Liberia, and later expanding to Ghana. Our solutions included:
- Real-Time Deforestation Monitoring: Utilising satellite imagery and advanced analytics, SIFCA could monitor deforestation activities in real time and address issues promptly within their supply chain.
- Commodity layers helped SIFCA determine where oil palm, rubber and sugar cane were consistently being grown to guide their sourcing operations.
Impact
SIFCA is well-prepared for the EUDR, with a strong understanding of deforestation risks and improved data traceability. By adopting Satelligence’s monitoring solutions, SIFCA reinforced their commitment to sustainability and set a new benchmark in the agribusiness sector. The real-time data and insights from Satelligence allowed SIFCA to manage their supply chain more efficiently, reducing risks and enhancing decision-making processes.
Key Takeaways
- Proactive Approach: SIFCA’s early adoption of deforestation monitoring and their proactive preparation for the EUDR highlighted their commitment to sustainability and regulatory compliance.
- Upstream Influence: Positioned upstream in the supply chain, SIFCA leveraged Satelligence’s technology to exert significant influence over their supply chain, ensuring sustainable practices from the ground up.
- Collaborative Success: The partnership with Satelligence showcased the importance of combining advanced technology with on-ground engagement to achieve sustainable and compliant supply chains.
Conclusions
SIFCA’s partnership with Satelligence shows how technology can truly advance sustainability in agribusiness. By using real-time deforestation monitoring, SIFCA is leading the way in sustainable agriculture, proving that being proactive and tech-savvy is key to making a real impact.