The Promise and Perils of Market-based Sustainability

2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 143-162 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Keahey ◽  
Douglas L. Murray
Keyword(s):  
Good Practice ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Power Dynamics ◽  
Marginal Groups ◽  
Rooibos Tea ◽  
Sustainability Initiatives ◽  
Small Scale Farmers ◽  
Sustainability Standards ◽  
Sustainable Trade

Sustainability standards and certifications increasingly represent multi-billion-dollar brands that partner with corporate firms. We employ the case of South Africa's Rooibos tea industry to analyze the impacts of this shift. Examining five sustainability initiatives, our research focuses on small-scale farmers and the power dynamics shaping their involvement. The Rooibos initiatives engaged multiple approaches, but none realized sustainable outcomes. Third-party and corporate efforts exposed producers to risk and reified dependency, industry actions did not achieve intended goals, and a shared leadership project failed to address material barriers to participation. Yet examples of good practice offer insight into the types of policies needed to improve outcomes. These include shifting from a hierarchical to a relational orientation by reducing certification costs, extending support services, and ensuring inclusivity in planning and governance. We conclude by arguing that markets are a perilous tool for development. Sustainable trade systems nevertheless illustrate the promise of market-based sustainability, as these are providing marginal groups with a platform to demand more equitable arrangements.

scholarly journals Certified Organic Farming: Awareness of Export Oriented Small-Scale Farmers in Sri Lanka

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 259
Author(s):  
S. M. C. B. Karalliyadda ◽  
Tsuji Kazunari
Keyword(s):  
Control System ◽  
Internal Control ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
The Third ◽  
Internal Control System ◽  
Certification Body ◽  
The Third Party ◽  
Certified Organic ◽  
Small Scale Farmers

This study aimed at investigating Sri Lankan small-scale Certified organic (CO) farmers’ awareness on their adopted organic standards, the third-party certification body, internal control system, Fairtrade certification, and conditions of contracts with coordinating organizations. A cross sectional survey was conducted among a randomly selected sample of 202 CO farmers who were linked with five coordinating organizations. Primary data was collected using a structured questionnaire along with key informant discussions and field observations. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics to generate simple summaries and tendencies. According to the results, CO farmers are organized as farmer organizations that were initiated as out-grower groups of coordinating organizations. All CO farmers were unaware of the adopted organic standard. The majority were unaware of the third-party certification body (83%), and the internal control system (81.7%). This perhaps due to their exclusion in managing certification related aspects. Thus, showed submissive decision-making behavior. However, many of them were aware of Fairtrade certification (56.4%) as it provides a wide spectrum of additional benefits covering production, marketing, and farmers’ welfare. Farmers were also aware of their contracts (verbal or written) with coordinating firms (62.2%) but hardly conscious of their conditions. In some contracts, conditions were unfairly distributed among stakeholders. Therefore, the study recommends enhancing small-scale farmers knowledge not only the production aspects but also certification, quality assurance, administration, and marketing as well. Meanwhile, mediating the partnership among stakeholders by a government body is also recommended to avoid power abuses among stakeholders.

scholarly journals Participatory commodity networking: An integrated framework for Fairtrade research and support

2016 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-42 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Keahey ◽  
Laura T Raynolds ◽  
Sandra Kruger ◽  
Andries du Toit
Keyword(s):  
Action Research ◽  
Organizational Development ◽  
Research Training ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Participatory Action ◽  
Trade Relations ◽  
Tea Industry ◽  
Rooibos Tea ◽  
Complex Power ◽  
Small Scale Farmers

This article discusses the potential for humanizing production and trade relations by extending action research to multilateral commodity networks. Participatory action research and Fairtrade certification both promote social justice, but the first faces difficulties in terms of scalability, while the second experiences challenges in terms of producer support. As conventional research has failed to deliver methods for improving services, we worked with small-scale farmers in South Africa’s rooibos tea industry to meet this gap. Responding to producer concerns regarding market and certification access, we conducted a participatory research, training, and networking program to establish a farmer leadership network within the rooibos industry. Despite the challenges involved in advancing participation in an arena marked by complex power relations, our work helped stakeholders establish trust, improve knowledge, and begin addressing issues. By incorporating commodity network analysis into action research methodology, our model facilitates both community and organizational development, offering a multilateral framework for collaborative inquiry.

scholarly journals How Inclusive Is Inclusive? A Critical Analysis of an Agribusiness Initiative in Kenya

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (19) ◽  
pp. 10937
Author(s):  
Celina Schelle ◽  
Benno Pokorny
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods Research ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Value Chains ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Organic Certification ◽  
Recruitment Procedure ◽  
Small Scale Farmers ◽  
Environmental Goals ◽  
Sustainability Standards ◽  
Small Scale Farmer

Inclusive agribusiness considers social and environmental goals in global value chains in agribusiness. However, not all small-scale farmers may be able to benefit from such arrangements. To find out about possible reasons for exclusion, this study investigates an agribusiness initiative in coastal Kenya employing organic contract farming by applying a mixed-methods research design based on household sampling of the recruitment procedure, as well as interviews with the farmers and company representatives. The findings suggest that sustainability standards may impede small-scale farmers’ participation in agribusiness. Specifically, the implementation of organic certification, essential for the functionality of the company business models, contributes most to small-scale farmer exclusion. Companies, clients, and, most importantly, certifiers should be aware of this problem and look for appropriate measures to overcome this unwanted effect of standard-setting in inclusive businesses.

Researching Alternative Cash Crops for Small Scale Farmers in Southern Ohio

HortScience ◽  
1998 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 530a-530
Author(s):  
Brad Bergefurd ◽  
Gary Gao
Keyword(s):  
Applied Research ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Extension Agents ◽  
Research Projects ◽  
Cash Crops ◽  
Grant Program ◽  
Culinary Herbs ◽  
Small Scale Farmers

Speciality crops are great alternative cash crops for small scale farmers. Small scale farmers are constantly searching for viable economic crops to grow. We have been conducting applied research on the production and marketing of culinary herbs, oriental vegetables, colored peppers, and muskmelons to name a few. These crops show excellent potential for southern Ohio. Field demonstration, seminars, and surveys were used to gather and disseminate information on these speciality crops. More than 230 people attended our seminars on alternative cash crops. More than 150 people attended our field days. In addition, we had identified many chefs that are willing to purchase from local speciality crop growers. It will be a win-win situation for both chefs and growers. Growers will be able to maximize their profitability while chefs will receive fresh and unique produce. As a result of our research, we were able to show small scale growers what they can grow successfully and how they can market their crops for most profit. These applied research projects received a combined funding of $10000.00 from OSU Extension-Innovative Grant program. These projects are a great way to establish credibility among clients. We would also like to demonstrate how other extension agents can help their clients. A lecture utilizing slides and overhead transparencies will be the format of the seminar.

Welfare effects of small-scale farmers' participation in apple and mango value chains in Ethiopia

Agrekon ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-17
Author(s):  
Mengistie Mossie ◽  
Alemseged Gerezgiher ◽  
Zemen Ayalew ◽  
Zerihun Nigussie
Keyword(s):  
Welfare Effects ◽  
Value Chains ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Small Scale Farmers

scholarly journals Simulating Agroforestry Adoption in Rural Indonesia: The Potential of Trees on Farms for Livelihoods and Environment

Land ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 385
Author(s):  
Beatrice Nöldeke ◽  
Etti Winter ◽  
Yves Laumonier ◽  
Trifosa Simamora
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Climate Change Scenario ◽  
Agroforestry System ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Change Scenario ◽  
Trees On Farms ◽  
Agroforestry Adoption ◽  
Mitigate Climate Change ◽  
Small Scale Farmers

In recent years, agroforestry has gained increasing attention as an option to simultaneously alleviate poverty, provide ecological benefits, and mitigate climate change. The present study simulates small-scale farmers’ agroforestry adoption decisions to investigate the consequences for livelihoods and the environment over time. To explore the interdependencies between agroforestry adoption, livelihoods, and the environment, an agent-based model adjusted to a case study area in rural Indonesia was implemented. Thereby, the model compares different scenarios, including a climate change scenario. The agroforestry system under investigation consists of an illipe (Shorea stenoptera) rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) mix, which are both locally valued tree species. The simulations reveal that farmers who adopt agroforestry diversify their livelihood portfolio while increasing income. Additionally, the model predicts environmental benefits: enhanced biodiversity and higher carbon sequestration in the landscape. The benefits of agroforestry for livelihoods and nature gain particular importance in the climate change scenario. The results therefore provide policy-makers and practitioners with insights into the dynamic economic and environmental advantages of promoting agroforestry.

scholarly journals Planned relocation in Peru: advancing from well-meant legislation to good practice

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonas Bergmann
Keyword(s):  
Market Access ◽  
Good Practice ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Action ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Hazard Exposure ◽  
Material Conditions ◽  
Vulnerable Households ◽  
Strategic Solution

AbstractAlong Peru’s rainforest rivers, rising flood extremes are increasingly exceeding coping capacities of vulnerable households. Peru has detailed legislation that embraces planned relocation as a strategic solution to such situations and various relocation projects are underway across the country. This research brief analyzes well-being consequences for two communities requesting relocation, using qualitative data collected from experts and 30 affected people. Initial results emphasize that weak governance, poverty, third-party involvement, and community action have influenced relocation outcomes. Delays and fragmented implementation have threatened people’s well-being. One community, waiting for land to relocate since 2015, has suffered from continued hazard exposure, deteriorated material conditions, and reduced subjective well-being. The second community achieved relocation only after a decade in detrimental limbo. Although livelihood challenges persist, its inhabitants now benefit from better market access and decreased exposure, leading to higher subjective well-being. With rising needs for relocation worldwide, the cases highlight that detailed legislation is not sufficient to safeguard people’s well-being. Advancing from well-meant legislation to good practice requires adequate institutional capacity, effective mechanisms for oversight and accountability, better engagement of third parties, and dedicated efforts to strengthen community agency.

Evaluating the capacity of small farmers to adopt aquaponics systems: empirical evidence from Brazil

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Alexandria Brewer ◽  
Jose F. Alfaro ◽  
Tadeu Fabricio Malheiros
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Evidence ◽  
Food Systems ◽  
Product Placement ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Limiting Factors ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Small Farmers ◽  
Sustainable Food Systems ◽  
Sustainable Food ◽  
Small Scale Farmers

Abstract Aquaponics technology has recently been offered as a good option for sustainable food systems among small-scale farmers, particularly those seeking an organic production or dealing with land quality constraints, such as urban farmers. However, there is a lack of empirical evidence for the capacity of small farmers to adopt the technology. The unique requirements of aquaponics may create technical, economic and even cultural constraints and opportunities. This paper uses empirical evidence gathered with small-scale farmers in São Carlos, State of São Paulo, Brazil, to present the capacity of adoption for the technology, including possible limiting factors and incentives for farmers. The study conducted interviews with owners of ‘agriculturas familiares’ (Portuguese for small family owned farms) within 30 km of São Carlos. The interviews revealed that there is widespread interest in the potential profitability of aquaponics systems, significant interest in environmentally friendly practices, familiarity with organic production and hydroponics and a large base of agricultural knowledge in the community that can drive adoption. However, lack of initial financing, limited human power and concerns about product placement were significant barriers to adoption. For settlement farmers (those working on land formerly abandoned) poor soil quality and water scarcity are key issues that could be alleviated by the technology. The city of Sao Carlos present program for purchasing specific types of products from these farms could be used as a model for increasing aquaponics adoption and relieving success concerns.

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