Resource information
Smallholder banana farmers are beginning
to understand that their old farming methods are
contributing to the planet's drying up or suffocating
in fields of garbage. They are convinced that they have to
change their ways for the good of their farms, their
communities, and their children. But what really drives them
to adopt new and sustainable practices? What will ensure
they continue to do so? International Finance Corporation
(IFC) partnered with Unifrutti Philippines in 2008 to work
with farmers to enable them to be certified to the
international Sustainable Agriculture Network standards of
the Rainforest Alliance (RA). With concerted efforts from
Unifrutti (the lead firm) and IFC, smallholder farmers were
trained to understand the RA standards and auditing
processes, buy into the concepts of environment and social
sustainability, adopt new sustainable practices, and pass
the certification audit all within 12 months. This smart
lesson examines the difficult challenges of instituting
change, as well as the necessary steps to ensure ongoing sustainability.
