DOCSLIB.ORG

Evaluation of the Early Impacts of the Better Cotton Initiative on Smallholder Cotton Producers in Kurnool District, India: Base

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Evaluation of the Early Impacts of the Better Cotton Initiative on Smallholder Cotton Producers in Kurnool District, India: Base EVALUATION OF THE EARLY IMPACTS OF THE BETTER COTTON INITIATIVE ON SMALLHOLDER COTTON PRODUCERS IN KURNOOL DISTRICT, INDIA: BASELINE REPORT R. Kumar, V. Nelson, A. Martin, D.Badal, A.Latheef, B. Suresh Reddy, L. Narayanan, S.Young and M. Hartog 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS Table of Contents ............................................................................................................................................ 2 List of tables .................................................................................................................................................... 5 List of figures ................................................................................................................................................... 6 List of photos ................................................................................................................................................... 7 Acronyms ........................................................................................................................................................ 8 Acknowledgements ......................................................................................................................................... 9 Citation ............................................................................................................................................................ 9 Cover picture ................................................................................................................................................... 9 Executive Summary ....................................................................................................................................... 10 1. Introduction........................................................................................................................................... 19 1.1 Background to the Study ............................................................................................................... 19 1.2 better cotton initiative .................................................................................................................. 19 2. Research Design .................................................................................................................................... 22 2.1 Objectives ..................................................................................................................................... 22 2.2 Research Questions....................................................................................................................... 23 2.3 Overall approach - Theory Based Impact Evaluation (TBIE) ........................................................... 24 2.4 Evaluation Design and methodology ............................................................................................. 27 2.5 RCT design .................................................................................................................................... 28 2.6 Methods and tools ........................................................................................................................ 30 2.7 Data analysis ................................................................................................................................. 30 2.8 Sampling Design ........................................................................................................................... 31 2.9 Implementation of the field research - Baseline ............................................................................. 32 2.9.1 Household Questionnaire survey ............................................................................................... 32 2.9.2 Focus Group Discussions ........................................................................................................... 32 2.9.3 Household Case Studies /panel ................................................................................................. 33 2.9.4 Key Informant Interviews .......................................................................................................... 34 2.9.5 Innovative elements of the research .......................................................................................... 34 2.9.6 Perspectives on potential limitations of the research ................................................................ 35 3. Context analysis .................................................................................................................................... 37 3.1 Global Cotton Markets .................................................................................................................. 37 3.2 Cotton production in India ............................................................................................................. 39 3.2.1 Area, production and productivity of cotton in India .................................................................. 39 3.2.2 Composition of the seed sector ................................................................................................. 41 3.2.3 Use of Pesticides in cotton ........................................................................................................ 42 2 3.3 The study area............................................................................................................................... 43 3.3.1 Value chain structures and power relations .................................................................................... 44 3.3.2 Farmer household profile and characteristics ............................................................................ 47 4. Economic Impact Pathway .................................................................................................................... 52 4.1 Economic Impact Pathway - activities ........................................................................................... 54 4.1.1 Mobilizing learning groups & Producer Units ............................................................................. 54 4.1.2 Facilitating Farmer field schools, demonstrations and trainings ................................................ 56 4.1.3 Developing internal Management systems ............................................................................... 56 4.2 Economic Impact Pathway - Outputs ............................................................................................ 57 4.2.1 Learning groups Established ..................................................................................................... 57 4.2.2 KNOWLEDGE AND application of Cotton practices .................................................................. 57 4.3 Economic Impact Pathway - Outcomes ......................................................................................... 62 4.3.1 Cost of production .................................................................................................................... 62 4.3.2 Yield.......................................................................................................................................... 64 4.3.3 Fibre quality .............................................................................................................................. 65 4.3.4 Improved service provision to the farmers ................................................................................. 66 4.4 Economic Impact Pathway – Impacts ............................................................................................ 67 4.4.1 Cotton profitability ................................................................................................................... 67 4.4.2 Incomes .................................................................................................................................... 69 4.4.3 Food security ............................................................................................................................ 73 5. Environmental Impact Pathway ............................................................................................................. 75 5.1 Environment Impact Pathway – activities ...................................................................................... 77 5.2 Environment Impact Pathway – Outputs ....................................................................................... 77 5.2.1 Learning groups ........................................................................................................................ 77 5.2.2 Cotton practices used by farmers .............................................................................................. 77 5.3 Environment Impact Pathway – Outcomes & Impact .................................................................... 78 5.3.1 reduced Pesticide use and increased bio-pesticide usage .......................................................... 78 5.3.2 improved efficiency and balanced fertiliser use ......................................................................... 79 5.3.3 Improved soil health ...................................................................................................................... 80 6. Social impact pathway ........................................................................................................................... 81 6.1 Social impact pathway - Outputs ................................................................................................... 83 6.1.1 Learning groups and Producer
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Better Cotton Initiative
    Better Cotton Initiative At a glance This document provides an overview of the Better Cotton Initiative standard system. The Better Cotton Initiative is one of the several standard systems that are referenced in Standards Map, the interactive web-based tool on private standards developed by the T4SD program of ITC. What is the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) starting point in a cycle of continuous improvement required by BCI. The Better Cotton Initiative is a private, non-governmental, not- • Products produced by BCI members do not have a BCI label. for-profit membership association whose long-term objective is to • Large brands and retailers have committed to invest both promote best farming practices, high quality products and managerial in farmer support programmes and in the procurement of responsibility, while minimizing the use of agrochemical products and mainstream volumes of Better Cotton through the “Better protect workers’ rights through a participatory stakeholder approach. Cotton Fast Track Programme”. • A Better Cotton Fast Track Fund, funded by retailers, brands, The Better Cotton Initiative is still in its implementation phase and the traders and other actors in the cotton supply chain supports first harvest of BCI certified product is expected towards the end of the production of Better Cotton. 2010. • BCI membership focuses on increasing farm profitability through improved productivity and fiber quality rather than on BCI membership is centered on the Better Cotton System which paying a fixed premium. comprises inter-dependent components supported by and facilitated • The WWF cotton projects in India and Pakistan were aligned through the BCI membership association: to the BCI Production principles in 2010.
    [Show full text]
  • Part Iv Retailers and Brands
    BCI MEMBERS’ LIST – PART IV RETAILERS AND BRANDS Retailers and brands include any for-profit organisation selling goods or commodities directly to consumers. Pioneer adidas AG Member since: Jan 01 2010 As a pioneer member, the adidas Group has been involved with the Better Cotton Initiative from the very beginning. As part of its involvement, the adidas Group has committed to using 100% Sustainable Cotton in all its brands by 2018. To achieve this target, the adidas Group has set incremental annual targets for the quantity of ‘Better Cotton' that will be used: 5% by 2012; 40% by 2015; 100% Sustainable Cotton by 2018. Also, as a private partner of the Better Cotton Fast Track, the adidas Group is investing in the program and is therefore working with other leading brands and funders to help sustainable cotton production go mainstream. For more information about the adidas Group's continuing efforts, visit http://www.adidas-group.com/en/sustainability/welcome.aspx . Country: Germany Website: www.adidas-group.com Hennes & Mauritz AB Member since: Jan 01 2010 Cotton is the raw material H&M use the most. Our aim is for all cotton in our range to come from more sustainable sources by 2020 at the latest. Better Cotton, organic and recycled cotton are types of cotton that we see as the keys to achieving this target. Since 2010, we have been the biggest user of certified organic cotton worldwide, according to Textile Exchange's Global Market Report on Sustainable Textiles. Additionally, we will continue to increase the use of other conscious materials, like recycled polyester and wool.
    [Show full text]
  • Evaluation of Better Cotton Initiative Impacts in Andhra Pradesh, India Policy Brief
    NRI DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME POLICY BRIEF SUSTAINABLE TRADE AND RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS EVALUATION OF BETTER COTTON INITIATIVE IMPACTS IN ANDHRA PRADESH, INDIA INSIGHTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR STANDARDS ORGANISATIONS, RESEARCHERS AND POLICY MAKERS R. Kumar, V. Nelson, A. Martin, L. Narayanan, B. Suresh Reddy, D. Badal, A. Latheef and S. Young (2020). GUJARAT INSTITUTE OF CENTRE FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH AND SOCIAL STUDIES LEARNING BRIEF KEY LESSONS z The impact study of a Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) project in Andhra Pradesh found that smallholder knowledge and understanding of Better Cotton practices as well as adoption of some areas of practice, have improved among farmers participating in the project, but inconsistent adoption remains a concern. z Some limited economic outcomes have been achieved, such as relatively lower increases in costs of production and slightly better yields, but cost savings are limited so far. Environmentally, pesticide use has been reduced, but optimal use of fertilizer has not improved, because farmers are still tied to input dealers who encourage continued usage. Alternative sourcing of inputs and finance through Producer Organisations has not materialised. z Interventions on decent work were initiated recently and therefore improvements were limited. Attention to gender issues, such as women’s participation in learning groups, has been weak. z The approach to extension had limitations: The inconsistency of adoption and weak environmental and economic performance outcomes align with academic research on farm decision-making. ‘Adoption’ thinking fails to recognize the reality of farmer decision-making processes, which are constrained and enabled by diverse factors, including a lack of economic incentives, but also the extension approaches involved and other socio-cultural factors shaping farmer responses.
    [Show full text]
  • Correspondence with Uniqlo
    Rt Hon Tom Tugendhat MP Rt Hon Nusrat Ghani MP Rt Hon Darren Jones MP Chair, Foreign Affairs Committee Business, Energy and Chair, Business, Energy and House of Commons Industrial Strategy Committee Industrial Strategy Committee London SW1A 0AA House of Commons House of Commons London SW1A 0AA London SW1A 0AA 23 November 2020 Dear Mr Tugendhat, Ms Ghani and Mr Jones, Thank you for your letter dated 9 November 2020 regarding UNIQLO supply chain which reportedly includes materials and labour sourced from the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China. UNIQLO appreciate your enquiry as we take matters of human rights and ethical responsibilities seriously. We have worked closely with the relevant sections of our business including our parent company Fast Retailing based in Japan to provide detailed responses to your questions, as follows: 1. What is the nature and extent of your company’s operations in Xinjiang? UNIQLO does not own or directly operate any factories as part of its business. Additionally, no UNIQLO product is manufactured in the Xinjiang region by any of our production partners, and none of our production partners subcontract to fabric mills or spinning mills in the region. 2. What specific raw materials arriving in UK markets are sourced from Xinjiang? UNIQLO sources sustainable cotton*1, and this includes cotton originating in China. By definition, sustainable cotton is that which ensures human rights and good working environments, in accordance with international standards. Sustainable cotton forbids the use of both forced labour and child labour at farms. *1 Sustainable cotton refers to Better Cotton*2 sources; cotton sourced from the United States or Australia, recycled cotton*3; organic cotton*4; Fair Trade cotton; and Cotton made in Africa (CmiA).
    [Show full text]
  • WWF and IKEA Co-Operation – Cotton Projects
    WWF and IKEA co-operation Bell della WWF-Switzerland/A. / WWF-Canon © – cotton projects Cotton is a thirsty crop the cultivation of which often requires large quantities of water and chemicals. This results in negative effects on the environment and WWFon people’s and health. IKEA Cotton is also co-operation sometimes grown in areas where fresh water WWF, the resourcesglobal conservation are scarce organization, and under enormous and IKEA, pressure. the home During furnishings the last company, four years, are workingWWF together and IKEA in a partnershiphave run joint to projectspromote to responsible support more forestry sustainable and better cotton cotton production. production,Shared and to address values climate change. © Inter IKEA Systems B.V. WWF and IKEA work together to promote more sustainable cotton production in accordance with the Better Cotton SHAREDInitiative. VALUES Since 2005, we have implemented projects in both India and Pakistan. The aim of these projects is to work WWF and IKEA are both committed to promoting the responsible © Inter IKEA Systems B.V. with farmers to produce cotton using less chemicals and and sustainablewater, use of to natural improve resources the livelihood for present of farmers and futureby helping needs. them The Co-operationto produce is founded more on sustainable each organization’s cotton in accordance unique compe with- tencies which theythe Better bring Cotton to their Initiative joint projects. (BCI), and These to influence projects the are bulk important stepsproduction in implementing of cotton. IKEA´s We have Social discovered and Environmental a number of far- Strategy and inming achieving practices WWF´s that reduceglobal conservationthe use of pesticides, targets.
    [Show full text]
  • Better Cotton Initiative Date: Dec 2009 Status: Final, Next Review End of 2012 Production Principles & Criteria 2.0 / Section 2A / Page 2 Sur 8
    1 Section 2/A Production Principles & Criteria 2.0 www.bettercotton.org The section provides BCI’s Production Principles and Orientation Criteria. The Principles, covering a range of environmental and social aspects of cotton production, describe the broad areas that need to be addressed by the farmer for the production of Better Cotton. The Minimum Production Criteria represent the initial core requirements for farmers to grow Better Cotton. These are highlighted with the pink graphic placed above the criteria, throughout the document. Contents Overview of the Better Cotton System 2 Context of Global Cotton Production 3 The Better Cotton System 3 Production Principles 4 Consultation to date and next steps 4 Production Principles and Criteria 5 -Crop Protection 5 -Water 6 -Soil 6 -Habitat 6 -Fibre Quality 6 -Decent Work 7 © Better Cotton Initiative Date: Dec 2009 Status: Final, next review end of 2012 Production Principles & Criteria 2.0 / Section 2A / Page 2 sur 8 Overview of the Better Cotton System Production Principles & Criteria 2.0 / Section 2A / Page 3 sur 8 INTRODUCING BCI’S PRODUCTION across the cotton supply chain and interested PRINCIPLES AND CRITERIA stakeholders to facilitate a solution for the mainstream cotton sector. The BCI's philosophy is Context of Global Cotton Production to develop a market for a new mainstream Cotton is one of the most important and widely commodity: ‘Better Cotton’ and thereby transform grown crops in the world. It is estimated that the cotton commodity to bring long-term benefits nearly 35 million hectares are under cotton for the environment, farmers and other people cultivation, representing about 2.5% of the world’s dependent on cotton for their livelihood.
    [Show full text]
  • Modern Slavery Statement
    Modern Slavery Statement This statement addresses the period from January 1, 2020,1 to December 31, 2020,2 in compliance with the requirements of the United Kingdom Modern Slavery Act, the Australia Modern Slavery Act, and the California Transparency in Supply Chains Act.3 1 Metrics contained herein cover 2020 activities, unless otherwise indicated. 2 Our last statement covered the period from Jan 1, 2019 to July 31, 2020 due to the extended timeline for the last reporting period. Therefore, this report overlaps in timeline with the previously published statement. 3 This statement excludes any entity that elects to report independently. Introduction Our Business Modern slavery is one of the most complex and important Amazon strives to be Earth’s Most Customer-Centric human rights challenges of our time. According to the Company, Earth’s Best Employer, and Earth’s Safest Place International Labour Organization (ILO), the term modern to Work. As of December 31, 2020, Amazon employed slavery covers a set of legal concepts, including forced labor, approximately 1.3 million full and part-time workers across debt bondage, and human trafficking. It is an umbrella the globe. In each of our segments we serve our primary term to refer to situations of exploitation that an individual customer sets, consisting of consumers, sellers, developers, cannot refuse or leave because of threats, violence, coercion, enterprises, and content creators. In addition, we provide deception, or abuse of power.4 According to a 2017 ILO services, such as advertising to sellers, vendors, publishers, report,5 at any given time there are more than 40 million authors, and others, through programs such as sponsored people in situations of modern slavery worldwide, nearly ads, display, and video advertising.
    [Show full text]
  • Request for Proposals - Consultancy Decent Work Risk Assessment in Better Cotton-Producing Countries in Africa Applications Deadline: 25 April 2021
    Request for Proposals - Consultancy Decent Work Risk Assessment in Better Cotton-producing Countries in Africa Applications deadline: 25 April 2021 RFP #: 2021-April-ASP-AFRA Location: Flexible Start date: 17 May 2021 End date: 21 February 2022 BCI key contact: Leyla Shamchiyeva Assurance Manager [email protected] All applications must be sent by email, to BCI’s key contact, with the subject header: “Application RFP DW Risk Assessment – RFP # 2021- April-ASP-AFRA”. Questions, requests, and applications sent after the deadline (25 April 2021) will not be considered. Description The Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) is a multi-stakeholder initiative and the largest cotton sustainability programme in the world. BCI and its partners currently support over 2.3 million farmers in 23 countries in adopting more sustainable agricultural practices. Thanks to these efforts, Better Cotton accounts for around 22% of global cotton production. BCI recognises that agriculture, and cotton farming specifically, are high risk sectors for labour violations and abuse. BCI has developed a Decent Work Strategy that first focuses on better understanding labour risks in our countries of operation, and then working with our partners to proactively mitigate these risks. On the African continent BCI delivers direct programmes in Mali, Mozambique, and South Africa1. Better Cotton is also produced in Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, Cote d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia through a partnership relationship with a benchmarked standard. BCI is commissioning research into the contextual decent work risks with a focus on forced labour, child labour and other forms of labour abuse in the Better Cotton-producing countries in Africa.
    [Show full text]
  • Sustainable Cotton & Gap Inc
    Sustainable Cotton & Gap Inc.: A Case Study Sarah McGovern, University of Connecticut, Stamford CT USA Timothy J. Dowding, University of Connecticut, Stamford CT USA ABSTRACT This paper examines Gap’s corporate strategy of sustainability in the cotton used in its product line of clothing. It discusses the value chain of cotton, from its initial harvesting and transformation into fabric before being finally processed into clothing. This paper will talk about the major economical, social and environmental issues surrounding the sustainability of cotton and what Gap is doing to ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy their products as much we do today. INTRODUCTION The concept of adopting sustainable business practices is becoming increasingly popular amongst the global economy, but the concept of sustainability is very abstract and tends to vary by industry and by company. The main goal is to explore “the relationship among economic development, environmental quality, and social equity”, and to maximize all three components while maintaining a balance between them [1] Sustainable practices can not only help in preserving the economy, the environment and society, but it can also lead to a significant cost savings for most organizations, which is why this is gaining popularity. In order for sustainable goals to be achieved, this balance needs to occur across a company’s supply chain and maintain the integrity of the organization. Gap Inc. is an example of one organization that is taking their sustainability efforts very seriously and applying them across their supply chain. This is particularly true for their use of the raw material cotton and the practices by which it’s manufactured.
    [Show full text]
  • Introduction to Bci
    INTRODUCTION TO BCI The Better Cotton Initiative exists to make global cotton production better for the people who produce it, better for the environment it grows in and better for the sector’s future. BCI aims to transform cotton production worldwide by developing Better Cotton as a sustainable mainstream commodity. COTTON Cotton is one of the world’s most important natural fibres. It’s used by nearly everyone on Earth every day, and supports 250 million people’s livelihoods. It’s a renewable natural resource, but only if we manage it responsibly. In 2005, a group of visionary organisations came together to figure out what could be done to safeguard the future of cotton. “There has to be a better way”, they said. It turns out there is. It’s called Better Cotton. The Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) is a not-for-profit organisation stewarding the global standards for Better Cotton, and bringing together cotton’s complex supply chain, from the farmers to the retailers. BETTER COTTON AND BCI Better Cotton is an agricultural management system which can transform this vital sector: » By improving the production of cotton: Crop Protection, Water Usage, Soil Health, Biodiversity, Fibre Quality, and Decent Work principles. » By creating measurable, credible change at farm level. » By connecting supply with demand. » By presenting clear business cases for all actors: good for farmers, and good for business. » By welcoming recognition of other standards. BCI brings together producers, ginners, traders, spinners, mills, cut & sew, manufacturers, retailers, brands and civil society organisations in a unique multi-stakeholder community committed to developing Better Cotton as a sustainable mainstream commodity and create long-term change.
    [Show full text]
  • Modern Slavery: Risks, Rights & Responsibilities
    Modern Slavery Risks, Rights & Responsibilities A GUIDE FOR COMPANIES AND INVESTORS February 2019 This survey was commissioned by the Australian Council of Superannuation Investors and conducted by KPMG ABOUT ACSI Established in 2001, the Australian Council of Through ACSI, our members collaborate to achieve Superannuation Investors (ACSI) provides a strong, genuine, measurable and permanent improvements in collective voice on environmental, social and the ESG practices and performance of the companies governance (ESG) issues on behalf of our members. they invest in. Our members include 39 Australian and international We undertake a year-round program of research, asset owners and institutional investors. Collectively, engagement, advocacy and voting advice. These they manage over $2.2 trillion in assets and own on activities provide a solid basis for our members to average 10 per cent of every ASX200 company. exercise their ownership rights. Our members believe that ESG risks and opportunities We also offer additional consulting services including: have a material impact on investment outcomes. As ESG and related policy development; analysis of fiduciary investors, they have a responsibility to act to service providers, fund managers and ESG data; and enhance the long-term value of the savings entrusted disclosure advice. to them. AUSTRALIAN INTERNATIONAL MEMBERS MEMBERS MANAGING TRILLION WORTH OF ASSETS i | MODERN SLAVERY: RISKS, RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES – FEBRUARY 2019 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS KPMG INTERVIEW PARTICIPANTS This report was commissioned by ACSI and prepared Many business leaders, including those diligently by KPMG. KPMG wishes to acknowledge the working behind closed doors to improve their capacity contribution of the following human rights, supply to identify and manage modern slavery risks, also chain, sustainability, risk, legal and internal audit contributed valuable insights and expertise to this specialists in producing this report: report.
    [Show full text]
  • Annual Report 2017-18
    ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18 1 ANNUAL REPORT - 2017-18 2 BETTER COTTON GROWTH & INNOVATION FUND The Better Cotton Growth and Innovation Fund (GIF) is a global programme designed to support the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) in its goal of reaching five million farmers in key cotton-producing countries and have Better Cotton account for 30% of global cotton production by 2020. Launched by BCI and its partners in 2016, the Fund identifies, supports and invests in field-level programmes and innovation while fostering adoption of the Better Cotton Standard System by governments, trade associations and other national-scale entities. In this annual report, we highlight the challenges, innovations and accomplishments of the Better Cotton GIF across seven cotton-producing countries in the second year of programme implementation, along with field-level success stories from our projects. It is imperative to mention that all this would not have been possible without the growing support of farmers, our partners and funders. We would like to take this opportunity to thank them all for their contributions and their belief in our work. Alan McClay Joost Oorthuizen BCI CEO IDH Executive Director 3 ANNUAL REPORT - 2017-18 Table of Contents From the Secretariat 5 Better Cotton GIF Introduction 7 Programme Report 10 • India 12 • Pakistan 14 • China 18 • Mozambique 20 • Turkey 22 • Senegal 24 • Tajikistan 25 Innovation Framework 27 Driving Change: Join Us On The Journey 31 Towards Better Cotton! Annexure 1 – Portfolio Summary 2017-18 33 Annexure 2 – Project-wide Summary 33 2017-18 Annexure 3 – Better Cotton GIF 37 Contribution Season 2017 - 18 Annexure 4 – Application procedure 38 Acknowledgments 39 4 BETTER COTTON GROWTH & INNOVATION FUND From the Secretariat More than 250 million people across the world depend on cotton cultivation and processing for their livelihoods.
    [Show full text]