Cotton production is associated with numerous socio-economic and environmental sustainability challenges, including low incomes, soil degradation and water pollution. 75% of cotton is produced by smallholder farmers located in regions heavily impacted by climate change, which is exacerbating existing vulnerabilities.
Climate change is adversely impacting smallholder farmers globally, affecting yield, incomes and the quality and availability of natural resources. Conversely, agriculture is also a significant emitter of greenhouse gases through land use changes and agrochemical use. IDH addresses these issues in a systemic way through following IDH’s PPI landscape approach. We build multi-stakeholder coalitions in regions that are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and facilitate the formation of ‘Compacts’ or regional development plans. These plans encapsulate the locally-owned vision for the sustainable development of the region – from a socio-economic and environmental perspective. Through implementing field-level projects and leveraging investments, the partners create the business case for climate-resilient, inclusive, and regenerative business models. These are replicated and scaled up through public-private sector collaboration. Companies are key, both to co-finance the transition to regenerative agriculture as well as to shift sourcing practices away from ‘business as usual’ and to support the transition to regenerative agriculture.
We support businesses, financiers and civil society to realize sustainable trade in global value chains while providing cotton farmers access to knowledge and services that enable the adoption of climate-resilient practices.
