Why Is This So Important to Us?
The inclusion of the Sustainable Livelihoods Principle in our P&C reaffirms our commitment to improving the livelihoods of cotton farmers. Many of our Programme Partners are already well-versed in this field. They actively engage with a diverse range of groups, including women, young people, labourers, and landless farmers, often extending support to those facing the most vulnerable circumstances.
By understanding the primary needs and challenges faced by these communities, we can find feasible and sustainable strategies to address their unique circumstances. The Principle aligns our initiatives with actual needs, leverages the expertise of our experienced partners, and ensures that our actions yield tangible, sustainable improvements.
Recognising the varying capacities of our partners, we are implementing this change in a step-by-step manner. The second indicator, focusing on the measures taken, will be fully implemented in the 24-25 season. We’re also tailoring guidance to specific country contexts and conducting a comprehensive mapping exercise to ascertain where additional support is most needed.
Flexibility in Our Approach
We understand that livelihood interventions are multifaceted and deeply rooted in local contexts. That’s why we’re adopting a flexible approach, ensuring that any measures taken are well-informed. We want to leave room for innovation and the flexibility to seize opportunities as they arise. Livelihoods come in diverse forms, and we anticipate that our partners will employ a wide array of strategies to achieve their objectives. These strategies encompass boosting incomes, safeguarding rights, increasing access to financial resources, addressing health and sanitation issues, and enhancing access to social protection. In essence, we’re prepared to embrace a broad spectrum of initiatives in alignment with the Sustainable Livelihoods Principle.
Connecting the Dots: Impact Targets and Beyond
Our Sustainable Livelihoods Principle is intricately connected to our broader organisational goals. This isn’t just rhetoric; we have tangible Impact Targets. By 2030, our aim is to sustainably increase the net income and resilience of two million cotton farmers and workers. Our forthcoming Sustainable Livelihoods Approach, which we will publish by the end of 2023, will provide detailed insights into how Better Cotton intends to achieve the targeted improvements in livelihoods. It’s a crucial step towards transparency and accountability.
While we place a strong focus on livelihoods, we must not lose sight of the pressing issues of climate change and gender equality. These are vital aspects of our mission, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to addressing them proactively. Both climate change and gender equality considerations are cross-cutting issues nested in the new Principle. To hear more about this approach, check out my Q&A from earlier this year.
Better Cotton’s new Sustainable Livelihoods Principle marks a significant turning point in the cotton industry’s journey towards sustainability and social impact. By prioritising the economic well-being of cotton farmers, especially smallholders and medium farms, and adopting a community-centric approach, Better Cotton is paving the way for a more equitable and sustainable future for farmers in the cotton supply chain. Stay tuned for further updates as we embark on this journey together!
