This case study series explores how value chain actors can advance equitable outcomes for small-scale producers. Each study describes how different value chain actors implement the principles of equity (distributional, procedural and recognitional) through innovative approaches, strategies and methodologies. The case studies showcase successful approaches to advance understanding of equity, and to inform and inspire the work of ISEAL members and their partners.
Equity and empowerment case study series
Equity is defined as ensuring fairness in the distribution of resources, opportunities, and benefits. Equity requires that all members of society, including future generations, have access to the same rights and opportunities to maintain a decent quality of life. Equity is fundamental to sustainability; without equity, it is not possible to effectively and sustainably uphold human rights, improve livelihoods, or protect the environment.
Women’s labour and expertise underpins the cocoa and coffee sectors, with women representing 40%-70% of the workforce. Yet, their contribution is often hidden and undervalued. Women face challenges in accessing productive resources, including extension and advisory services, credit and land. Social norms result in high labour and time burdens for women while limiting their participation in decision-making in households, organisations and communities.
Low wages persist in the banana sector, and workers struggle to make a decent living. Even in contexts of certified value chains, workers can experience a gap between their earnings and living wage benchmarks. In 2023, Fairtrade International launched three mechanisms to contribute to closing living wage gaps for banana workers (see page 3 for details). In addition, the Fairtrade Minimum Price and Fairtrade Premium benefit both farmers and workers. Together, these tools aim to increase incomes for banana producers and workers in certified value chains.
Small-scale fishers in Indonesia face structural barriers which limit their participation in the fisheries sector, including limited access to technology, invisibility in data and policy making and marginalisation in decision-making. Although Indonesia is the second largest aquaculture and capture fisheries producing country in the world (after China) and 80% of its fishing industry depend on small-scale fisheries, fishers represent 25% of people who live below the poverty line in Indonesia.
The Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) was established in 2006, through a multi-stakeholder collaboration involving labour groups, communities, purchasing and mining companies and NGOs. Indigenous Rights Holders IRMA works towards protecting people and the environment directly affected by mining.
Small scale farmers face several structural barriers that limit their power, income and participation in global value chains. Founded in 2009, Producers Direct is a farmer-owned nonprofit which brings together a network of over one million small producers, located across East Africa and Latin America. Recognising these structural barriers, Producers Direct has innovated a platform that enables farmers to co-design the tools and services they need.