The Institut Européen de Coopération et de Développement
(IECD)

The Institut Européen de Coopération et de Développement (IECD)

The Institut Européen de Coopération et de Développement (IECD) is a French non-profit organisation, created in 1988. IECD enables human and economic development through education, vocational training, youth employability and support to small enterprises in 14 countries in Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Its mission has been recognised as being of public interest.

The organisation aims to create an environment that allows young people to build their future in a better society. To achieve this, IECD focuses on improving gender equality and environmental protection through its programmes in many countries. In 2020, IECD provided vocational training for more than 17,000 youth and 900 teachers and staff.

In 2021/2022, the Eurofins Foundation supported the “Agriculture Training project” in Cameroon and Ivory Coast.

In both Cameroon and Ivory Coast, the agricultural sector dominates in terms of resources and employment. In contrast, training in agriculture is still poor. This agriculture training programme aims to address these significant gaps.

Complementing this approach, the IECD Girls’ Club is an innovative educational system aimed at making youth aware of gender issues and promoting the place of women in agriculture. Agroecological techniques are integrated into daily practices at Girls’ Club training centres to foster environmental protection and sustainable farming practices. Training content on agroecology covers natural resources management, disease and pest control, soil fertility management and seed production. Technical training of trainers (ToT) dedicated to environmental protection has also been organised with recognised experts.

Thanks to the support of the Eurofins Foundation, the IECD was able to successfully implement the three stages of the Agriculture Training project: the diagnostic phase, the operational activities and the deployment of the project at a national level, and therefore reach its objectives. The latest reports show excellent results, 342 students benefitted from trainings during the 2021-2022 school year. In 2021, 76% of the graduated students entered the job market bolstered with training. The project allows for better integration of the training participants into the labor market, which allows them to generate a higher income, and therefore improve their living conditions, as well as those of their families. Society also indirectly benefits from the agro-agricultural practices implemented through the project, with access to better quality food.

The environment is directly benefitted by the evolution of agricultural techniques and mechanisms. Additionally, the project made a significant impression on political leaders and public authorities. As an example, following discussions with the Ministry in charge of vocational training in Ivory Coast, the IECD team is working closely with the National Institute for Vocational and Professional training to work on a training and examination curriculum that will be recognised by the Ministry. This recognition by public authorities will strengthen agricultural trainings in both countries.

This project contributes to the following United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal