HOW DO WE WORK?

Common framework for implementation

To support BCI Implementing Partners to work with the Better Cotton System at field level, the BCI Step by Step Guide to Implementation has been produced. This guide provides the common framework and core activities that must be done for producers to grow and sell Better Cotton.

Planning process

Before starting the implementation of the Better Cotton System, a detailed planning process is required from Implementing Partners. A robust planning process is a key contributor to the successful implementation of the System ensuring that realistic objectives linked clearly to defined activities are set, the commitment of all parties is secured, clear roles and responsibilities are identified, the resources and capacities required to deliver are defined and flexibility to adjust the approach over time is factored in.

 

These factors need to be taken into consideration during two specific stages of planning: the identification stage and the formulation stage. The time required to completing these two stages would vary and be dependent on whether work has already been done by BCI and other stakeholders in the region.

 

The objectives of the identification stage are, to define at a broad level (country/region):

- who the stakeholders are

- the key issues facing the cotton sector

- possible implementation strategies and

- potential areas for implementation.

 

Activities may include a mix of desk-based studies, field visits and a multi-stakeholder workshop(s). Reports on the identification stage will be shared with BCI members to help avoid duplication of activities and to support any BCI members/Implementing Partners working in similar countries/regions.

 

Once the potential area(s) in which to implement the Better Cotton System have been identified in the identification stage, a more in-depth analysis needs to be done of the situation in these area(s) to see how the system could be implemented with partners so that:

-     Better Cotton is grown in accordance with the BCI Production Principles and Criteria

-     Farmers are supported to grow Better Cotton through the promotion of the BCI Enabling Mechanisms at a local level

-     Supply is connected with demand in the form of an identifiable Better Cotton Bale

-     Farmers are assessed and encouraged to continuously improve through measuring results and seasonal learning cycles

 

It is usually necessary that the formulation stage is done by a team of local experts (due to the wide range of knowledge and skills needed). This team needs to be identified and contracted by the BCI Implementing Partner. At the end of this stage, there should be:

-     A Formulation Stage Report with the detailed information collected during the in-depth situational analysis

-     A formulation workshop to present the main results and recommendations from the experts to the project partners and start discussing the implementation plan

-     A complete implementation plan that is supported by the project partners for the implementation of the different components of the Better Cotton System in the specific areas proposed by the identification stage. This should be complete enough to use for funding proposals.



last update: 9 July 2010