Cotton made in africa

African Cotton

In demand worldwide

In Africa, cotton is almost exclusively grown by smallholder farmers, and there are very few large plantations. The cotton plant loves warmth: it needs about 200 days of sunshine in the season to flourish and bear fruit. For that reason alone, it does well in the dry or humid savannahs of Africa. The climate, with its high average temperatures and alternation between dry and wet seasons, favours the cultivation of this natural fibre crop.

Growing methods

In many parts of the world, cotton is grown in large plantations, but in Africa it is almost exclusively cultivated by smallholder farmers using crop rotation. Crop rotation means that the cotton is grown alternately with other crops, such as basic food crops like maize, soy or groundnuts. That reduces both leaching from the soil and the occurrence of pests. Cotton is often a complementary cash crop: it is cultivated for sale, alongside foods grown for subsistence. The cultivation methods imparted by Cotton Made in Africa also support smallholder farmers in growing food and thus make an important contribution to food security.

Irrigation

Artificial irrigation, often used in large plantations, is practically unknown in Africa. Smallholder farmers practise rain-fed cultivation, in other words they rely on natural rainfall being sufficient to water the crops. The wet and dry phases in agricultural parts of Africa suit the cotton plant. In its growth phases, cotton is highly sensitive to excess moisture: In the first phase of sprouting and growth, the cotton plant needs moist soil, whereas in the ripening phase too much moisture damages the quality of the fibres. All available rainwater has to be used efficiently, especially in drier parts of Africa. That requires the balanced use of fertiliser or mulching, whereby the soil between the cotton plants is covered with organic material, such as leaves, to reduce the loss of moisture through evaporation.

It is man versus machine: cotton in the US, Brazil and Australia is harvested using gigantic machines, but in agricultural parts of Africa harvesting is done mainly by hand. Of course, that takes much longer, but it also has major benefits compared with machine harvesting. The machine makes one pass through the cotton field taking, not only the cotton boll, but everything in the field; however, human pickers work in a much more careful and environmentally-sound way, taking only completely mature fibre bolls. Hand-picked cotton is also cleaner, because the machines take considerable quantities of soil, leaves, twigs, etc. with them.

Pesticide use

No other plant is as attractive to pests and viruses as cotton. The use of pesticides is thus a negative side effect of cotton cultivation worldwide. Only a small number of alternative farmers completely abstain from using pesticides and sell their raw material as organic cotton. The proportion of organic cotton on the global market is currently still low, which is partly due to its higher production costs.

Genetically modified cotton

Cotton pests show increasing resistance to the pesticides used. Part of the global cotton industry sees genetically modified cotton, that protects itself against some pests with its own insecticide, as a solution to this problem. More than 90 percent of cotton cultivated in the main cotton-growing countries—the USA, India, and China—is now genetically modified. Many African cotton farmers view genetically modified cotton as a technical advance from which they do not want to be excluded. Currently, however, the only places in Sub-Saharan Africa where genetically modified cotton is grown by smallholder farmers are in South Africa, Sudan, and Burkina Faso. Cotton made in Africa has made a commitment not to allow the cultivation of genetically modified cotton under the initiative. The use of genetically modified seeds is part of the exclusion criteria (Exclusion Criteria No. 14) of Cotton made in Africa standard.

Cotton made in Africa

Cotton from Cotton made in Africa is produced by smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa in accordance with CmiA standard criteria. Specifically, this means that the cotton is grown under rain-fed conditions, cultivated using pesticides and fertilisers in an effective and responsible way, and harvested by hand. Cotton made in Africa has specified the farming methods that are permitted in a list of criteria, with compliance regularly checked as part of a verification process.

Fine fibres – Cotton from Africa

Cotton from Africa has relatively long fibres and is carefully picked by hand. That makes it a high-quality raw material. It is no coincidence that cotton is a popular material for T-shirts, trousers and shirts: cotton feels soft and pleasant on the skin, is breathable, and is absorbent.

Cotton is a natural fibre obtained from the seed hairs of the cotton plant (Gossypium spp.) and comprises mainly cellulose. After pollination, the flower of the cotton shrub produces a fruit capsule (boll), about the size of a walnut. In this period, the cotton seeds forming inside the capsule are bundles of long fibres (called “staple”) and a layer of shorter, fluffy fibres (called “linter”). Only the long fibres are used for textile production. When the fruit capsule fully matures, it bursts open and the “cotton fluff” spills out.

Cotton yarn is spun from the seed fibres, which can grow to lengths of more than 40 millimetres. Their strength and their unique structure make them ideal for spinning: the fibres are twisted like a corkscrew, so they do not tear during spinning. The short fluffy fibres (linter) cannot be spun, but are used elsewhere, such as in the manufacture of cellulose.

Fibre length

The quality of raw cotton is assessed on a number of different criteria. These include colour, purity, staple length, fineness, strength, and evenness. The decisive factor for the textile industry is the length of staple fibre: the longer the fibre, the higher the quality. Staple length varies between 18 and 42 millimetres. There are four staple categories: short, medium, long and extra-long.

African cotton is high quality

African cotton is mostly grown by smallholder farmers and is hand-picked, which ensures its good quality. Cotton made in Africa cotton has time to ripen and is harvested by hand at the right time, before being taken for further processing.

The threat to biodiversity

Biodiversity (a term coined as a shortened form of “biological diversity”) is understood to refer to variations among all organised forms of life in terms of varieties of species, genetic diversity of flora and fauna, and differences between whole ecosystems. These three levels are very closely interlinked: animals and plants need intact ecosystems and sufficient genetic variability. But an ecosystem only works if it is home to a whole range of species. Intact habitats are also essential for the genetic diversity of an ecosystem.

If this equilibrium is disturbed by external influences, it can often have unexpected consequences for people as well as for flora and fauna. At the end of a complex chain of cause and effect, whole species may become extinct and ecosystems may even be destroyed. This makes it increasingly difficult for nature to cope with extreme climatic events such as long droughts. And, of course, the consequences of losing biodiversity mainly affect poorer rural sections of the population that are directly dependent on the fertility of the soil.

Problems caused by monocultures and plantations

Large-scale agricultural cultivation of cotton threatens biodiversity in its environment as it is commonly characterised by monocultures, the heavy use of pesticides, and high-water consumption levels. There is too little time to enrich the soil with natural nutrients (which Cotton made in Africa achieves, among other things, through implementing crop rotation with legumes, soybeans, or peanuts). Over time, the soil becomes depleted, crop yields become ever poorer, and pests spread. As a result, some farmers have to use increasing amounts of pesticides and fertilisers in order to secure their crops. In the end, what’s left is barren wasteland and new crop areas need to be developed. The groundwater is heavily contaminated, which might cause disease among humans and animals.
Another problem is the high level of water consumption: the heavy use of artificial irrigation often leads to soil erosion and salinisation. As the groundwater level falls, and rivers or wetlands dry out, drinking water for humans and animals becomes scarce.

The necessity of rethinking agricultural concepts

These effects can be countered by measures for sustainable cotton growing, as set out and agreed in the criteria of Cotton made in Africa. These aim to bring agriculture into harmony with nature and to contribute towards the long-term maintenance of biodiversity. There are a number of cultivation methods that contribute to protecting species diversity, the most important of which is crop rotation when growing cotton, which helps to maintain the quality of the soil. Other measures for growing cotton sustainably are the efficient use of pesticides and fertilisers and the responsible use of water.

Our Standards System

For continuous improvement, credibility and transparency

The Aid by Trade Foundation is an umbrella organization for three cotton standards: Cotton made in Africa (CmiA), Cotton made in Africa-Organic (CmiA-Organic) and the Sustainable Cotton Standard (SCS, currently not in use). These standards were developed to improve the living conditions of African smallholder farmers and working conditions in ginning factories and to promote an environmentally friendly cotton production.

The setting and revision of our cotton standards system is clearly defined by our Standard Setting Procedure.

All standards are embedded in an integrated system that ensures credibility, transparency, and continuous improvement:

Principles, Criteria, and Indicators:

Principles, Criteria, and Indicators define social, ecological and economic parameters that are suitable for the African context. They come along hand in hand with management requirements.

Assurance:

The process of regular self-assessments and independent third-party verification under AbTF oversight demonstrates compliance of the Managing Entities with Standard requirements and helps them identify areas for continuous improvement.

Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL):

Results from Self-Assessments, Verifications, and additional impact evaluation studies enable AbTF to measure progress and validate if our intended impacts are actually achieved.

Trainings:

Standard requirements define training content, the assurance programme as well as MEL help identify areas where trainings need to be extended, improved, or newly established.

Chain of Custody:

Guidelines define how supply of verified CmiA / CmiA-Organic / SCS cotton can smoothly be integrated into global supply chains to match demand from brands and retailers specifically interested in sustainable cotton from Africa.

Claims Framework:

The Claims Framework supports all involved parties to communicate about the standards in a correct and credible way.

Downloads

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CmiA Stakeholder Conference 2022

After two years of postponement and virtual interaction, the Aid by Trade Foundation is excited to invite you to the CmiA Stakeholder Conference 2022 in Bremen, Germany. The in-person event will be held on 26th and 27th of September at the Radisson Blue Hotel Bremen.

AbTF Publishes Annual Report 2021

Our Annual Report offers an important opportunity to reflect on the impact we made in 2021, examine challenges and success in the field and on the market successes as well as stakeholder insights into various topics about sustainability in the cotton and cashmere industry.

Cotton made in Africa Breaks Supply and Demand Records

In the space of one year, CmiA textile production doubled, to 600 million items, while CmiA cotton production in Africa rose by ten percent. New and existing clients are seeking to purchase greater amounts of cotton verified through CmiA and CmiA Organic.

Impact of Cotton made in Africa

We regularly collect and analyse data to monitor the effects of our work on the ground. Find here an overview of facts & figures as well as detailed documents on the impact measurement of CmiA.

Press Release:
CmiA Carbon Neutral Initiative

The climate crisis is the most important issue of our time. The effects of global warming are clearly noticeable throughout the world. The climate impact of textiles is now shifting into focus, and the Aid by Trade Foundation is tackling the issue together with atmosfair, a well-regarded non-profit organisation with many years of experience in climate protection.

We Care About:
Protecting Children

Beyond sustainable cotton production, Cotton made in Africa actively advocates for respect for the children’s rights. The elimination of child labour will require sustainable economic growth to support measures towards social progress & better education.

Cotton made in Africa

Cotton made in Africa (CmiA) is an internationally recognised standard for sustainable cotton from Africa. Since 2005, CmiA has been committed to protecting the environment while improving working and living conditions for smallholder farmers and ginnery workers.

Aid by Trade Foundation

Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) is a Hamburg-based foundation established by Prof. Dr. Michael Otto. It administers the Cotton made in Africa standard with the goal of protecting valuable resources, improving living conditions, and ensuring the viability of future generations through sustainable action…

Sustainability Standards

The CmiA standards include sustainability criteria for cotton, with independent auditors regularly monitoring for compliance.

Cotton made in Africa

About us

Cotton made in Africa, an initiative of the Aid by Trade Foundation, is one of the world’s leading standards for sustainably produced cotton. Our goal is to help people help themselves, via trade rather than donations, in order to improve the living and working conditions of smallholder farmers in Africa and to protect our environment. We work with a wide-ranging network in cotton-growing countries, including numerous partners throughout the textile value chain as well as both governmental and non-governmental organisations, to ensure the implementation of the standard and the proper processing of certified raw materials throughout the world.

Social, Environmental, and Economic Sustainability

Our work is built on the three pillars of sustainability, which form the core of Cotton made in Africa’s standard:

Smallholder Cotton Farming in Africa

Cotton plays a key role in the fight against poverty, as, in many countries in the region, fully half of the income earned by smallholder farmers and their families comes from selling cotton. However, cotton’s great potential for achieving economic development and poverty reduction has so far not been fully realised because of the many challenges farmers face: fluctuating global market prices, low productivity, and poor infrastructure in cotton-producing countries. This is the context that led to the founding of the Aid by Trade Foundation and its Cotton made in Africa initiative.

Aid by Trade Foundation

The Foundation and Its Background

In many parts of the world, cotton is cultivated on huge fields, harvested completely by machine, and frequently subsidised. However, the cotton industry in Africa consists almost exclusively of smallholder farmers who grow cotton in rotation with other crops on small fields – one to three hectares in size – harvesting it all by hand. Productivity is often exceedingly poor for a variety of reasons, such as difficult climate conditions, low seed quality, the loss of soil fertility, and a lack of knowledge about methods of sustainable cotton production. This leaves families barely able to survive on their cotton sales. In addition, African cotton is at a disadvantage on the international market due to poor market connections and a disadvantageous political terrain. At the World Trade Organisation’s 2003 conference in Cancún, this conflict culminated in a protest by four African countries—Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, and Mali—against prevailing cotton subsidies.

This inequality led Prof. Dr. Michael Otto, an entrepreneur and philanthropist from Hamburg, to found the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) in 2005. The AbTF is a foundation under German civil law, based in Hamburg. Its objective is to help people to help themselves through trade in order to promote sustainable development, protect the environment, and secure a better future for coming generations. With the support of various partners from the worlds of business, politics, science, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), the foundation aims to forge an international alliance of fashion brands and retailers that source Cotton made in Africa certified raw cotton, has it processed into textiles, and pays a licensing fee to use its seal. Cotton made in Africa then reinvests this licensing revenue in the cotton-growing regions of Sub-Saharan Africa in accordance with social business principles. Experts train the smallholder farmers in efficient and environmentally friendly cultivation methods that help them increase the quality and yield of their cotton, improve their living and working conditions, and protect their health and the environment.

The
Organisation

The Founder

After completing his schooling, a banking apprenticeship, studies in political economics, and a doctorate, Prof. Dr. Michael Otto entered his father’s business, now the Otto Group, in the early seventies. In 1972, The Limits to Growth, a book published by the Club of Rome, inspired him to become active in environmental protection and social justice. His activism has endured and prospered, spawning a variety of organisations and foundations that pursue diverse charitable objectives, including the Aid by Trade Foundation, founded in 2005. The continent of Africa is close to the entrepreneur’s heart, and his aim is for the foundation to improve people’s living conditions while making a genuine contribution to protecting the environment. “It is the courage and strength of our partners in Africa”, says Prof. Dr. Michael Otto, “that inspires and motivates us to keep working with them, day in and day out, to achieve our common objective.”

Prof. Dr. Michael Otto
Founder

“Africa is close to my heart—both personally and as an entrepreneur.”

The Board of Trustees

The Aid by Trade Foundation’s Board of Trustees comprises an international group of leading figures both from public and private businesses and from non-governmental organisations. It is the foundation’s supervisory body with at least six and at most twelve members, and it is chaired by Prof. Dr. Michael Otto and his deputy, Dr. Wolfgang Jamann (International Civil Society Center).

New members are nominated by the foundation’s executives and appointed by the Board of Trustees for two-year terms with the potential for reappointments. The foundation’s directors report to the Board of Trustees on its activities and plans twice a year.

PROF. DR. MICHAEL OTTO
Chairman of the Board of Trustees / Chairman of Supervisory Board Otto Group

“Cotton made in Africa is innovative, because it activates market forces and creates an ongoing win-win situation for all players at all stages of the value chain – from cotton farmers to consumers.”

DR. WOLFGANG JAMANN
Deputy Chairman of the Board of Trustees / Executive Director International Civil Society Centre

“I am pleased to be a member of the Board of Trustees of CmiA, because I firmly believe that the only way to overcome hunger and poverty in Africa is for NGOs to work alongside government development organisations, companies and businesses, in accordance with social and environmental criteria, for active support to smallholder farmers in the third world. It is also vital for us to change our behaviour as consumers; production and purchasing of clothing made from CmiA cotton is a great opportunity for us to do that. The work in the foundation is an enrichment because we are working across the dividing lines of the various sectors, and getting into discussion with one another.”

EBERHARD BRANDES
Managing Director WWF Germany

“Our goal is to stop the global destruction of natural resources and the environment, and to create a future where humankind and nature can live together in harmony. What we want is effective action for conservation of nature and protection of the environment, coupled with sustainable development of the African countries – that is why we are promoting sustainable business activities. Cotton made in Africa is designed both to link cotton farmers in Africa and consumers in Europe via trade, and to ensure sustainable management of the land.”

OLAF GIESELER
Managing Director CURATAX Treuhand GmbH Steuerberatungsgesellschaft

“Cotton made in Africa is a useful, innovative initiative. I am delighted to be able to make a contribution to setting up the legal and fiscal conditions for it, and to help in the internal organisation of Cotton made in Africa.”

PROF. DR. JOHANNES MERCK
Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer & Advisor
Otto Group

“Cotton made in Africa stands for new and successful ways in development cooperation as well as an innovative and trend-setting initiative within the Corporate Responsibility commitment of textile companies. Economic principles are relevant for the work of Cotton made in Africa, because the aim of the initiative is to help people help themselves, mobilize market forces and take into account the rules of the market. Thereby, Cotton made in Africa gives access to knowledge and education to those people for whom these goods were previously unavailable.”

MATHIAS MOGGE
Secretary General and Chairman of the Board Welthungerhilfe

“We are on a promising path in development cooperation. The population in many countries has become more self-confident. Particularly in Africa, people are taking their future into their own hands more than before. As a member of the Board of Trustees of Cotton made in Africa, I look forward to being able to contribute to creating opportunities for people and the economic development of their home countries.”

JAMES SHIKWATI
Director of Inter Region Economic Network (IREN) Kenya

“I applaud Cotton Made in Africa’s effort to involve African farmers in value added exchange of products with European markets.“

MUNIR ZAVERI
CEO Alliance Ginneries Ltd.

“It is an honour and privilege to be appointed onto the Aid by Trade Foundation Board of Trustees. My family has been in the cotton business since 1935 hence we have seen all the ups and downs of the industry and the terrible effect bad policies have on African farmers. I have seen first hand how being part of a sustainable chain such as CmiA can positively impact the farmers and improve their livelihoods.”

JEAN-CLAUDE TALON
Commercial and Logistics Director SODECO SA Groupe SFP, Benin

Principles and Criteria

Rules of the Cotton made in Africa Standard

The CmiA Standard covers the most significant aspects of cotton cultivation and ginning, with a focus on specific framework conditions in Sub-Saharan Africa. The principles and criteria describe the intended outcomes through their implementation. The CmiA Standard applies to Managing Entities – usually cotton companies with one or more ginning facilities – operating in Sub-Saharan Africa with a direct link to small-scale farmers.

A Managing Entity is responsible for management and production activities and must be able to demonstrate that everyone working in or with its CmiA unit operates according to the requirements of the CmiA standard. Based on self-assessments and third-party verification results, the Managing Entity is required to design and implement continuous-improvement plans to maintain or improve its performance level with regard to the criteria and indicators outlined in the CmiA standard.

The CmiA Standard is composed of four chapters:

The principles set out in the CmiA standard represent the aspirational goals and expectations that CmiA has with regard to the CmiA Managing Entities and farmers. Even though its aspirations will remain unchanged, CmiA’s minimum expectations, which this standard translates into verifiable indicators, may change in tandem with society, technology, and manufacturing practices.

The CmiA standard is both performance-based (compliance with core indicators is required) and practice-based (practices undergo continuous improvement). To receive a Cotton made in Africa certificate, Managing Entities must first meet the core indicators. All core indicators are equal in status, validity, and authority.

The four chapters of the CmiA Standard:

The Management Pillar

CmiA Managing Entities commit to responsible business conduct.

The fundamental premise of Cotton made in Africa is that Managing Entities and farmers respect laws – such as those on human rights, environmental protection, labour relations, and financial accountability – and practise responsible business conduct. The first obligation of Managing Entities is to comply with national legislation. However, if that legislation sets standards which are below the referenced internationally recognised standards and conventions, the international standards prevail; by contrast, if national legislation sets higher requirements than do international standards, the national legislation shall apply. The aim should always be to provide the highest possible protection to farmers, workers, and the environment.

CmiA Managing Entities are committed to CmiA values and continuously improve their CmiA performance.

CmiA considers the Managing Entity to be the principal actor and agent of change for implementing the CmiA standard. CmiA core values are to help farmers help themselves through trade while promoting sustainable development, protecting the environment, and preserving future generations’ livelihoods. Cotton made in Africa expects Managing Entities to share these values and to transparently communicate about these values as well as their partnership with CmiA. Because cotton cultivation and ginning, as the first processing step, present a multitude of challenges, CmiA follows a continuous-improvement approach from the very beginning.

CmiA Managing Entities operate effective management systems.

Good management is essential for the implementation and monitoring of CmiA criteria and indicators. It is also an important tool for facilitating planning and decision-making processes. The Managing Entity bears the responsibility for compliance with the requirements of CmiA criteria and indicators and for translating the requirements into practice. Guidance from the CmiA standard as well as other documents provided by AbTF – such as picture blocks, posters, videos, and the like – can be used a best practice.

The People Pillar

CmiA Managing Entities support small-scale farmers.

In many African countries, economic growth depends on an efficient agricultural sector. In total, more than 20 million people in Sub-Saharan African countries directly or indirectly live from cotton. However, poor access to services, unfavourable policy frameworks, and a lack of knowledge regarding sustainable cotton production serve to weaken the contribution of the cotton sector to economic development and poverty reduction in the region. CmiA Managing Entities work with small-scale farmers on a contract basis, either through individual contracts or contracts with farmers’ groups, thereby providing cash income and even supporting communities in their development.

CmiA Managing Entities promote decent working conditions throughout all field and ginning operations.

CmiA follows the concept of decent work (developed by the International Labour Organisation), which involves amongst other opportunities for work that is productive and delivers a fair income; security in the workplace; social protection for families; and equality of opportunity and treatment for all women and men. CmiA intends to ensure that relations between CmiA Managing Entities and contracted farmers as well as any employed staff are based on fair principles and are in compliance with these core labour standards, other international conventions, and national labour legislation. The first stage of cotton transformation, which is the ginning of cotton, is usually performed by the Managing Entity. In rural areas, which often lack employment and formal income opportunities, cotton ginneries are – at least on seasonal basis – one of the most important employers, offering additional income generating possibilities to the population outside the crop production cycle.

CmiA Managing Entities respect the rights of children and promote gender equality.

Child labour has no place in sustainable cotton cultivation and violates international human rights. Child labour reinforces poverty across generations and is intrinsically related to gender inequality. CmiA aims to protect children and young workers from work that is harmful and interferes with their schooling. CmiA works with Managing Entities, associated farmers, and other stakeholders to support and respect this human right. Ensuring that women have access to and control over resources directly contributes to reducing poverty, food insecurity, and malnutrition within these communities. Therefore, CmiA strives to empower women in cotton cultivation and ginning and to ensure that a gender perspective is well integrated with the operational strategy of every Managing Entity.

The Planet Pillar

CmiA Managing Entities use land responsibly, enhance biodiversity, and protect the climate and the environment.

Since the foundation of the initiative, environmental protection has been a core element of CmiA’s mission. For this reason, CmiA requires respect for any areas and natural reserves that are under special protection. CmiA aims to ensure that biodiversity and natural habitats are maintained and enhanced. This can be achieved by increasing yields, which helps reduce pressure to open up new land, and through the promotion of practices like IPPM, crop rotation and conservation agriculture. Conserving and sustainably managing biodiversity are also critical to addressing climate change. CmiA strives to enhance the resilience of farmers by adapting to climate change while also increasing efforts to mitigate it by reducing the emissions created through cotton cultivation and ginning.

CmiA Managing Entities provide GMO-free cotton seeds and care for water and soil.

In line with the precautionary principle, CmiA requires Managing Entities to provide GMO-free cotton seeds to farmers. Soil and water are essential natural resources for agricultural production. From a sustainability perspective, the responsible use of these resources is crucial. The depletion of clean water reserves and fertile soil has become a risk factor for agriculture worldwide. CmiA cotton production prohibits the withdrawal of ground or surface water for the irrigation of cotton. Agricultural strategies for sustainable cotton production need to focus on the protection, conservation, improvement and restoration of soil fertility. Through the application of sustainable soil and water conservation practices and through the provision of organic fertiliser, cotton cultivation can significantly contribute to soil fertility.

CmiA Managing Entities minimise the adverse effects of crop-protection practices.

CmiA strives to keep the use of pesticides as a last resort and to minimise risks to human health and the environment. CmiA defines a complete set of strategies to continuously reduce the use of highly hazardous pesticides and to fully integrate production and pest management. Wherever pesticides are applied, CmiA intends to ensure that farmers, their families, and communities are protected from pesticide exposure during storage, handling, application, and disposal. It is equally important to protect the environment, especially avoiding adverse effects for bodies of water.

The Prosperity Pillar

CmiA Managing Entities provide CmiA-contracted farmers with access to high-quality inputs and input pre-financing.

In cotton growing areas, Managing Entities are frequently the farmers’ only source of affordable agricultural inputs. By providing inputs on a credit basis, Managing Entities enable a large number of farmers to grow their crops and earn essential cash income. For many small-scale farmers, cotton plays an important role as a cash crop within their diversified farming system, which combines food and cash crops. Core aspects for establishing and maintaining trust between farmers and Managing Entities are clear contractual provisions, access to pre-financed inputs, transparent communication on prices of inputs and seed cotton, the transparent grading of seed cotton and timely payment.

CmiA Managing Entities assist CmiA-contracted farmers in sustainably increasing cotton productivity and fibre quality.

CmiA aims to support African cotton farmers to increase productivity and fibre quality – two parameters that can greatly affect a cotton-growing household’s income. The quality of the fibre produced is essential for its value. The inherent characteristics of the seed variety, the level of trash, and the level of contamination are three important factors for fibre quality. It is important to select seed varieties that suit the local geographic and seasonal conditions. Seeds delivered to farmers have to be of high quality, i.e. having high germination rates, varietal purity and vigour. Farmers then need to apply crop management practices that affect both yields and fibre quality. Finally harvesting and post-harvest handling influence the quality of seed cotton delivered to the ginnery.

CmiA Managing Entities enable CmiA-contracted farmers to improve their living conditions and resilience.

To make cotton and other crops successful in the long term, cotton producers need to see farming as a business and, in consequence, think and act entrepreneurially. CmiA operates in a context where people often lack formal education and where improvements to farmers’ skills and farm management practices are essential for bettering their living conditions. Managing Entities implement training and education programmes for all farmer to support compliance with and development in accordance with the CmiA standard.

To keep agriculture attractive to young people, investments are needed to improve the living conditions of rural communities. Managing Entities often engage in community investment efforts as a way to promote local development and benefit stakeholders in their areas of operations. They are committed to supporting smallholder communities in areas such as education, health, gender equality, and environmental protection.