Together Towards Inclusive

Transcription

1 Together Towards Inclusive Palm Oil Supply Chains Join us Together we can move towards an inclusive palm oil supply chain. If your organization is interested in joining us, please get in touch with our palm oil team: Jan Maarten Dros, International Palm Oil Programme Coordinator Marieke Leegwater, Programme Manager Palm Oil, More information Solidaridad s major financial partners are: Cotton Livestock Tea Sugarcane Fruit & vegetables Gold Soy Cocoa Textiles Palm Oil Aquaculture Coffee Solidaridad is a not for profit network organization operating from ten regional offices on five continents. We envision a world in which all we produce, and all we consume, can sustain us all while respecting the planet, each other and the next generation. We bring together commodity supply chain actors and engage them in innovative solutions to improve production, ensuring the transition to a sustainable and inclusive economy that maximizes the benefit for all. For information about Solidaridad and the Solidaridad office in your region: Solidaridad works together with players throughout the palm oil sector to build sustainable and smallholder inclusive palm oil supply chains. We develop innovative and scalable farmer-first business cases focused on improving agricultural and business practices. Our work The Solidaridad palm oil programme sets up and manages coalitions of partners and projects to: Develop National Initiatives to transition palm oil sectors towards RSPO; Stimulate Best Management Practices by smallholders and mills; Improve Labour Conditions through RSPO implementation; Develop innovative models for (independent) Smallholder Inclusive supply chains. Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs

2 The Solidaridad Palm Oil Programme: An Overview Developing National Initiatives to transition palm oil sectors towards RSPO Honduras The Sustainable Honduran Palm Oil project (PASH) stimulates countrywide implementation of RSPO. The PASH consortium includes 10 companies representing 80% of Honduran palm oil production as well as 7,500 families of oil palm producers and workers. Colombia We re working with 5 palm oil mills in Colombia to demonstrate the benefits of RSPO compliance and good agricultural practices. The project covers 80,000 hectares, of which half are smallholdings. Fedepalma, the national federation of oil palm cultivators, is supporting nationwide outreach to 59 mills. The Netherlands Great BritaIn France Germany Corporate Engagement Europe Solidaridad develops smallholder support through supply chain innovations in partnership with leading European companies. Stimulating Sustainable Market Linkages China Solidaridad has set up the China Sustainable Palm Oil Working Group, which includes key stakeholders in China, the EU and Indonesia, including importers/traders and downstream buyers. The working group promotes sustainable palm oil supply chain practices through the facilitation of dialogue, consensus-building and alignment of strategies on responsible procurement. Policy influencing through support for RSPO, ISPO and other sustainability initiatives Worldwide Co-lead of the RSPO Smallholder Working Group, Member of the Complaints Panel and the Standing Committee Trade and Traceability. We support the RSPO National Interpretation processes in Guatemala, Honduras, Ghana, Ivory Coast and Nigeria. We support the development of the Sustainable Palm Oil Initiative and Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil standard. Solidaridad is setting up the Asian Sustainable Palm Oil Network. Stimulating best management practices (BMP) and uptake of RSPO certification by smallholders and mills guatemala honduras Ghana An average yield increase of 250% was achieved among 400 small farmers trained in good agricultural practices under the Sustainable West Africa Palm Oil Programme (SWAPP). 2,000 independent smallholders will be RSPO certified through an RSSF grant by Ghana Solidaridad provided training for over 1,500 smallholders in the supply bases of Benso and Twifo palm oil mills (BOPP & TOPP) and supported BOPP in becoming the first RSPO certified oil palm mill in Ghana. Ghana A Business Incubator provides small and mediumsized businesses in the oil palm sector with access to seed capital, business development services and coaching to stimulate palm oil sector development in West Africa. China - colombia liberia ghana ivory coast nigeria cameroon Perak malaysia Sarawak Sabah ecuador gabon Sumatra West Kalimantan brazil Develop innovative models for (independent) smallholder inclusive supply chains indonesia papua new guinea Improving Labour Conditions through RSPO implementation Guatemala We re improving labour conditions, health and safety performance on 5 palm oil estates, representing 30% of the country s production area, through RSPO certification. Brazil We partnered with Agropalma to reduce the number of work accidents among 3,500 land labourers on their estate in Brazil. We developed a peer to peer educational film which contributes to Agropalma s worker safety training through visual and participative methodologies. South-East Asia Together with Verité we developed a toolkit on RSPO labour requirements & regulations for companies and certifying bodies to practically implement labour standards. The toolkit will be an RSPOendorsed document. Verité has already conducted awareness trainings with auditors and companies. Sumatra, Indonesia Together with the NGO Setara in Jambi, Sumatra, we re organizing, training and facilitating RSPO certification of 400 independent smallholders in 5 villages. We re linking them to RSPO mills and developing local institutional capacity to provide smallholder support. Kalimantan, Indonesia We re developing the capacity of Credit Union Keling Kumang (CUKK) to train their members in sustainable palm oil production and financial literacy. So far 2,000 members are benefiting from higher incomes, reduced environmental impact and improved market access.

3 The Solidaridad palm Oil producer support programme Project Highlights Colombia Demonstrating the business case for mills to support independent smallholders in Colombia In Colombia, Solidaridad s Farmer Support Programme (FSP) works together with five palm oil companies to move them and their independent smallholder suppliers towards RSPO certification. Now that the benefits of socially and environmentally sustainable production through RSPO compliance have been proven, Fedepalma, The National Federation of Oil Palm Cultivators, is supporting nationwide outreach to 59 mills. The participating companies have created a proven model that mills supporting their independent suppliers through training and technical assistance can lead to a win-win situation. 18% of the total production area in Colombia 38,937 hectares RSPO certified / 183,000 tons CSPO 548 smallholders benefiting from sustainable practices Average OER increase from 21,94 22,40% 7,184 workers benefited

4 Background Large companies are increasingly moving towards RSPO certification to meet costumers growing demand for sustainable palm oil. For independent smallholders it s difficult to meet the certification requirements due to the high costs and efforts involved, a lack of clear benefits for the farmers and limited access to technical support. They thus run the risk of being excluded from certified supply chains. Our partners in Colombia 5 palm oil companies are implementing sustainable practices and moving themselves and their independent suppliers towards RSPO certification: Aceites S.A., Palmaceite S.A., Hacienda La Cabaña S.A., Manuelita Aceites y Energía and Indupalma; AgroBiz coordinates the work of these five companies; The National Federation of Oil Palm Growers of Colombia (FEDEPALMA ) is ensuring nationwide outreach. Activities with mills and smallholders Technical assistance and implementation of best management practices; Trainings in business management, sustainability and social issues; Programme for safe agrochemical storage and efficient use of water resources; Implementation of waste management systems; What our partners say Optimization of emission control systems; Implementation of management plans for high conservation value areas. Impact on the sector The project s intervention model has proven that mills that provide training and support for their independent smallholders directly benefit from suppliers increased productivity and higher quality FFB. This creates a true win-win situation where mills enjoy higher output, small producers improve their skills and their income, and field workers benefit from improved labour conditions. The project has boosted sector-wide sustainability in Colombia as other palm oil companies are following its example. More than 20 palm oil companies have committed to sustainably producing 200,000 tons (20% of national production) of CPO and supporting 15,000 hectares José del Carmen Peña, smallholder supplying to Indupalma: Indupalma has not only helped us to establish and manage a productive palm oil project, but it has also provided us with trainings. I dare to say that since I took the time to go to the training sessions, I feel capable of running any palm oil farm without any problem. of smallholdings in becoming sustainably managed by About Solidaridad Solidaridad is a not for profit network organization operating from ten regional offices on five continents. We envision a world in which all we produce, and all we consume, can sustain us all while respecting the planet, each other and the next generation. We bring together commodity supply chain actors and engage them in innovative solutions to improve production, ensuring the transition to a sustainable and inclusive economy that maximizes the benefit for all. Join us Together we can move towards an inclusive palm oil supply chain. If your organization is interested in joining us, please get in touch with our palm oil team: Maria Goretti, Programme Manager Palm Oil Andes region maria.goretti@solidaridadnetwork.org Carlos Arturo Vides, mill operator, Palmaceite S.A.: I can be a good example for my children, showing them how to cultivate palm without polluting the environment, destroying the forests or altering the environment in a bad way. Bernardo Sánchez, General Manager, Aceites S.A.: I would say to new companies that they should not be afraid of the process, that they should not fear the cost but instead think about all they could win. This is a win-win project that evolves day by day. For more information: Financing Partners: Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs

5 The Solidaridad palm Oil producer support programme Project Highlights Pará State, Brazil 268 smallholders with improved economic, social and environmental performance 280 workers with improved living and working conditions A step-by-step intervention for continuous improvement in Brazil 2,100 hectares of smallholder farms under good agricultural management 6,000 hectares of estates RSPO compliant In Pará state in Brazil, Solidaridad is accelerating learning on management, social and environmental issues among 268 independent smallholder suppliers of ADM and their 280 land laborers. Rural Horizons is an innovative yet simple toolset which allows farmers to benchmark and monitor their own performance against the RSPO Principles & Criteria. It is expected that improved on-farm management will lead to improved incomes and social and economic development of the community. Project Partners: Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs

6 Background The targeted smallholders are living in recently established palm oil production areas in Pará state and have direct selling contracts with ADM for the fruit they produce. Palm oil smallholders in Brazil must conform with strict social and environmental government legislation, yet have a hard time complying due to limited knowledge and income to invest. Rural Horizons is a sustainability self-assessment guide which allows smallholders to benchmark and monitor their farms against RSPO standards and provides them with an easy to follow step-by-step improvement plan. In partnership with ADM staff the tool was customized for Brazilian smallholders reality and validated in the field. Rural Horizons produces clear and systematized information about smallholders sustainability performance and allows for analysis of group peformance to improve ADM s technical assistance for smallholders in the field. This in turn enhances smallholders and labourers knowledge and implementation of sustainable field practices, while facilitating continuous improvement. Our partner in this project The National Rural Learning Service (SENAR) provides training and technical assistance in the field. ADM is improving its own performance and supporting its smallholder suppliers towards the same goal, using the RSPO P&C as guidance. Our activities Development and implementation of Rural Horizons, a self-assessment toolset for benchmarking and monitoring against the RSPO P&C for smallholders. The tool and subsequent engagement plan were fully customized for smallholders living in the Amazonian reality Intensive skill and knowledge training for smallholders and workers provided by SENAR, with in-field follow up technical assistance. Adaptation and sharing of learning material on good agricultural practices for smallholders. Learning exchange between experienced smallholders (Agropalma suppliers) and ADM-linked starting smallholders. Implementation of infrastructure requirements for land laborers at larger estates and donation of more than 500 Personal Protective Equipment kits to improve worker safety. Our achievements ADM support and stimulation of smallholders to implement best practices has proven to be essential for a responsible supply chain integration model. Smallholders are implementing best sustainability and agricultural practices and have organized themselves into small farmer associations. This has empowered them and improved quality of life in the community. Improved work safety for 280 labourers. Future of the project Technical assistance for smallholders will continue after project s end. Based on an evaluation on the use and results of Rural Horizons, Solidaridad expects to develop a strategy together with ADM to facilitate continuous improvement under the business s Sustainability pillar. About Solidaridad Solidaridad is a not for profit network organization operating from ten regional offices on five continents. We envision a world in which all we produce, and all we consume, can sustain us all while respecting the planet, each other and the next generation. We bring together commodity supply chain actors and engage them in innovative solutions to improve production, ensuring the transition to a sustainable and inclusive economy that maximizes the benefit for all. Join us Only together we can move towards an inclusive palm oil supply chain. Please become our partner in cracking this nut and get in touch with our palm oil team: Joyce Brandao, Programme Manager Brazil JoyceBrandao@solidaridadnetwork.org For more information:

7 The Solidaridad palm Oil producer support programme Project Highlights Honduras 80% of Honduras s palm oil sector committed to RSPO certification 6,753 small producers benefiting from improved practices 110,000 hectares under sustainable management Sector-wide initiative to move Honduran palm oil producers towards RSPO 54% of the project area (59,000 ha.) belongs to smallholders 435,000 mt of CSPO to be produced annually by end of 2016 The Sustainable Honduran Palm Oil project (PASH) is a consortium of 10 companies, including four smallholder cooperatives, representing 80% of Honduran palm oil production. PASH is coordinating RSPO certification of its member companies through the implementation of Best Management Practices (BMP) at both mill and farm level. Adoption of the RSPO standard is expected to lead to increased productivity, prevented crop expansion and improved competitiveness, as well an improved standard of living for 7,500 small farmers, workers and processors. Participating Members: Project Partners: Financing Partners: Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs

8 Background Oil palm cultivation in Honduras is currently estimated at 150,000 ha, making it the largest producer in Central America. In 2005 this was still 82,000 ha, demonstrating rapid sector growth of 90% in just ten years. Palm oil is of strategic importance to the Honduran economy. However, palm oil expansion in Honduras has been associated with land tenure issues and conflict, as well as environmental threats to the Caribbean coastal wetlands and coral reefs caused by pollution from plantations. RSPO is seen as an initiative that can provide a neutral environment in which companies and small farmers can work towards more sustainable production. Our partners in this project World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is promoting Best Management Practices, implementing weather monitoring systems and precision agriculture methods on estates. SNV is facilitating social improvements at plantations. Proforest Initiative is providing technical support on RSPO certification. The National Center for Cleaner Production The Department of Agriculture and Livestock The Ministry of Environment of the government of Honduras Our activities Promotion of BMP at mills and on farms within the (independent) supplier base of the consortium s member companies, including on environmental performance. Improving relations between mills and smallholders through transparency mechanisms in weighing and measuring fresh fruit bunches. Strengthening the social performance of mills by implementing corporate social responsibility policies according to the workers and communities needs. Strengthening management capabilities of small producers by developing business plans. Enabling RSPO certification of at least eight companies and their (independent) supply bases. 3 companies will still be certified in 2015, and the rest in Developing lessons learned and raising awareness on sustainability in the palm oil sector. Developing an RSPO National Interpretation and guidance for auditors and certification bodies in Honduras, including training for RSPO lead auditors. Achievements RSPO certification of the PASH companies Jaremar Group and ACEYDESA. Approval of the updated RSPO National Interpretation for Honduras. Creation of the Association of Industrial Palm Oil Producers of Honduras (AIPAH), a legal association that represents the interests of 4 palm oil companies and 4 cooperatives. Through two joint negotiations of the palm oil produced by its 8 members, AIPAH has achieved higher prices by 24% compared to that obtained in individual negotiations before Companies are reporting improved relations with local communities. Future of the project PASH has created the conditions for developing improved institutions and embedding sustainability in the Honduran oil palm sector. The consortium has decided to continue its existence beyond the life of the PASH project. It has proposed the adoption of a national law governing the palm oil sector s main activities and the creation of a National Palm Institute (INPALMA) to organize private extension services for palm oil producers, especially smallholders, who account for 90% of all producers in Honduras. PASH will also strengthen the services of the Federation of Palm Growers of Honduras, FENAPALMAH, cooperating with its counterpart organization in Colombia, FEDEPALMA, and seeking to develop a platform of services associated with the certification of smallholders. From 2016 on, PASH will also focus on RSPO certification of small farmers and the identification and management of areas of High Conservation Value (HCV). What our partners say Ms. Sujapa, Agrotor, Jaremar Group: RSPO has really brought our social performance to a higher level. In particular the relations with the surrounding communities improved; RSPO really inspires us to go for a dialogue approach. About Solidaridad Solidaridad is a not for profit network organization operating from ten regional offices on five continents. We envision a world in which all we produce, and all we consume, can sustain us all while respecting the planet, each other and the next generation. We bring together commodity supply chain actors and engage them in innovative solutions to improve production, ensuring the transition to a sustainable and inclusive economy that maximizes the benefit for all. Join us Only together we can move towards an inclusive palm oil supply chain. Please become our partner in cracking this nut and get in touch with our palm oil team: Omar Palacios, Programme Manager Palm Oil Honduras Omar@solidaridadnetwork.org For more information:

9 The Solidaridad palm Oil producer support programme Project Highlights West Kalimantan, Indonesia 2,000 farmers have access to quality agricultural inputs through the K77 cooperative 3,325 farmers completed Financial Literacy training (of which 62% were women) Improving livelihoods for smallholders in West Kalimantan Solidaridad works with Indonesia s second largest credit union, Credit Union Keling Kumang (CUKK), to improve the livelihoods of palm oil smallholders in West Kalimantan. We bring agronomic and sustainability expertise to the farmers and ensure access to quality inputs. Our partner Good Return provides education in financial literacy so that farmers learn about responsible savings, spending, lending and investment. The project aims to increase farmer productivity and incomes while mitigating negative social and environmental impacts. 531 farmers completed Farmer Field School Smallholder yields increased by 50-80% Unsustainable environmental practices significantly reduced Project Partners: Financing Partners: Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs

10 Background West Kalimantan is one of the most economically disadvantaged provinces in Indonesia. Palm oil is a significant driver of agricultural output in the region but smallholder farmers regularly find themselves in a position of relative weakness due to their limited knowledge on good farming practices and lack of access to high quality inputs. CUKK has over 140,000 members and is operating in a region containing more than 130,000 ha. of smallholder oil palm farms. About 14,000 CUKK members provide FFB to mills in Sanggau, Sekadau and Sintang districts. Our partners in this project Good Return / World Education coordinates project development and delivery, including Farmer Field School training, financial education, and institutional strengthening of the CUKK and K77 cooperatives CUKK and its sister cooperative K77 provide training through the Farmer Field School and access to high quality agricultural inputs Our activities The Farmer Field School (FFS) provides smallholder training in good agricultural practices and sustainable farm management, and has established a dedicated 6 person training unit. The Financial Literacy programme teaches CUKK members about money management, responsible use of financial products and services, and stimulates farmers to save for replanting. Formation of professional cooperatives with FFS graduates, with a collective business strategy for improving yields, income and access to agricultural inputs and markets, in line with RSPO and ISPO best practices. Capacity-building of CUKK s sister cooperative K77 to provide member access to agricultural inputs, particularly subsidized fertilizer. Investment in professionalization of CUKK by improving its organizational structure, management information system, and to increase the quality of its products and services for members. Our achievements Smallholder yields increased by 50-80% 2,000 CUKK members have access to subsidized fertilizer and other quality agricultural inputs 3,325 farmers completed Financial Literacy training (of which 62% were women) 531 farmers completed Farmer Field School Decreased use of chemical inputs (fertilizer, pesticides, herbicides) and increased use of organic inputs. Significant reduction in unsustainable environmental practices, including forest fires to clear land Future of the project This project s model aims to demonstrate that a credit union can facilitate farmer access to better agricultural practices and encourage sustainable palm oil farming among its members. CUKK and K77 have become well-managed and financially self-sustaining cooperatives with strong outreach to their membership base through their FFS and Financial Literacy training units. K77 is also able to provide improved and sustained access to markets and agricultural inputs. Through training of trainers, a professional group of core farmers is able to disseminate best practices among a wider group of smallholders. The mechanisms for continued development have thus become embedded in existing organizational structures, creating a conducive environment for adoption of good agricultural practices and allowing the project to achieve a multiplier effect in the number of farmers reached in the future. About Solidaridad Solidaridad is a not for profit network organization operating from ten regional offices on five continents. We envision a world in which all we produce, and all we consume, can sustain us all while respecting the planet, each other and the next generation. We bring together commodity supply chain actors and engage them in innovative solutions to improve production, ensuring the transition to a sustainable and inclusive economy that maximizes the benefit for all. Join us Only together we can move towards an inclusive palm oil supply chain. Please become our partner in cracking this nut and get in touch with our palm oil team: Hendry Predy Yang, Regional Palm Oil Coordinator South & South-East Asia hendry@solidaridadnetwork.org For more information:

11 The Solidaridad palm Oil producer support programme Project Highlights Jambi province, Sumatra, Indonesia Creating a smallholder education hub in Jambi, Indonesia Solidaridad is supporting the set-up of a smallholder education hub in the province of Jambi, Indonesia. This palm oil training and knowledge center for independent smallholders facilitates the organization of smallholders into cooperatives, provides training programmes on good agricultural practices and RSPO certification, and creates relationships with mills so farmer groups enjoy direct buying relations and improved prices and conditions. With improved support, farmers can improve yields and the quality of their fruit, leading to higher incomes. 5 gapoktans (cooperatives) formed Yields increased from ton FFB/ha/yr to ton FFB/ha/yr 436 independent smallholders to be RSPO certified in December ,113 hectares benefiting from best management practices Smallholders receive better FFB prices through cooperatives Project Partners: Financing Partners: Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs

12 Background Jambi is the 5th largest palm oil producing province in Indonesia, with a total production area of more than 500,000 hectares. Besides over 30 mills and estates, there are about 75,000 independent smallholders, who manage over 120,000 hectares of land. In general, these oil palm smallholders have low yields, produce lower quality fruits, and have limited access to agricultural knowledge and high quality inputs. This makes it difficult for them to comply with RSPO standards. Cooperative structure To address these problems, Solidaridad is supporting the development of RSPOoriented institutional capacity with NGO Setara and government extension services in smallholder areas where other forms of support are lacking. The independent smallholder education hub has been established and has become a first point of reference for palm oil farmers in the area. Thus far, the hub has provided support in the formation of 5 GAPOKTANs (farmer cooperatives), with 436 member farmers expected to become RSPO certified in December Our partners in this project NGO Setara is setting up and managing the hub and has developed expertise on sustainable palm oil production, RSPO certification and community organization. PT Inti Indosawit Subur (PT. IIS, a member of Asian Agri Group), provides good agricultural practices trainings for smallholders. Jambi District Government Training Facilitator (FASDA) provides RSPO trainings. Our activities Capacity-building of the Setara team through trainings in management, documentation, Internal Control Systems and RSPO Principles and Criteria. Organizational support for farmer groups through development of institutional capacity, group management, documentation and organization. Smallholder training in good agricultural practices and mapping of farmers lands. Support towards RSPO group certification, including formation of Certification Management Units, compliance with the RSPO P&C and HCV training. Our achievements Smallholder yields increased from ton FFB/ha/yr to ton FFB/ha/yr. Improved use of fertilizer, decreased use of pesticides and herbicides through integrated pest management. River conservation of the plantations areas in Sungai Rotan. Farmer cooperatives enjoy benefits such as: subsidized fertilizer, access to government funding and better FFB prices through direct sales to the mill. Future of the project The project aims to upscale and increase the number of farmers benefiting from the smallholder knowledge and training hub as the effects of the programme become visible to neighboring communities. This will require increased involvement from local mills to support good agricultural practices trainings and the off-take of smallholder FFB. Setara is also establishing a Sustainability Academy (Sustainable Palm Oil Research Academy, SPORA) in Jambi in collaboration with Jambi University. SPORA will facilitate training in sustainable palm oil production for NGO s and farmers throughout Sumatra. About Solidaridad Solidaridad is a not for profit network organization operating from ten regional offices on five continents. We envision a world in which all we produce, and all we consume, can sustain us all while respecting the planet, each other and the next generation. We bring together commodity supply chain actors and engage them in innovative solutions to improve production, ensuring the transition to a sustainable and inclusive economy that maximizes the benefit for all. Join us Only together we can move towards an inclusive palm oil supply chain. Please become our partner in cracking this nut and get in touch with our palm oil team: Hendry Predy Yang, Regional Palm Oil Coordinator South & South-East Asia hendry@solidaridadnetwork.org For more information:

13 The Solidaridad palm Oil producer support programme Project Highlights Liberia, Cote d Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon 400 smallholders trained in good agricultural practices Average yield increase from tons FFB/ha/yr 1,000 independent smallholders being prepared for RSPO certification Stimulating Best Management Practices and uptake of RSPO certification in West Africa Solidaridad s Sustainable West Africa Palm Oil Programme (SWAPP) aims to improve incomes and livelihoods from oil palm production throughout West Africa. The programme is helping smallholder farmers in Ghana, Nigeria and Cote d Ivoire implement best management practices to increase farm productivity and supports small and medium-sized mills in Ghana to increase their processing efficiency. SWAPP also invests in sector development and regional information exchange through its Business Incubator, which provides access to finance, and its online portal disseminating information relevant to farmers, processors and other supply chain actors. 1 million seed capital invested in 8 small- and mediumsized palm oil businesses 91 RSPO lead auditors in West Africa trained Project Partners: Financing Partners: Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nederlandse Ambassade in Ghana

14 Background Demand for palm oil in West Africa is majorly outstripping local supply, meaning the region imports 1.5 million tons of CPO annually. The oil palm tree is native to West Africa and the region has a very large potential for increasing its production on existing lands under development. Current oil palm yields in Ghana, for instance, are less than 6 tons FFB/ha/year, while these could reach at least tons FFB/ha/year on well-managed smallholdings. However, small and medium sized farmers as well as palm oil enterprises have limited knowledge of good agronomic and management practices, resulting in low farm and mill productivity, low quality FFB and poor oil extraction rates. SWAPP supports innovations and best practices in oil palm production and processing to reduce the gap between actual yield and maximum yield potential. Our partners in this project Proforest Initiative is providing technical support on RSPO certification. The International Plant Nutrition Institute (IPNI) is demonstrating Best Management Practices on farms and plantations. AIPH, the Interprofessional Association of the Palm Oil Sector in Cote d'ivoire Dekel Oil, Cote d'ivoire Palmafrique, Cote d'ivoire Key activities Implementing Best Management Practices (BMP) with farmers: costeffective techniques to increase yields and minimize impacts on the environment. 50+ BMP plots have been established and 400 smallholders trained. A Business Incubator provides small and medium-sized businesses in the oil palm sector with access to seed capital, business development services and coaching to stimulate sector development. A total of 1 million has been invested in 8 oil palm processing mills and refineries. Launched an online portal to disseminate information on good agricultural practices, processing technologies, and other relevant knowledge to promote innovation, productivity and profitability of the oil palm sector. Supporting RSPO National Interpretation processes in Ghana, Cote d'ivoire and Nigeria. RSPO Roadshow and oil palm sector; scoping studies were held in Liberia, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Cameroon and Gabon. Achievements Average yield increase from 5.3 to 13.5 tons FFB/ha/yr among participating farmers. The full impact of yield improvement is expected at the end of 2016, 4 years after the start of BMP implementation. Smallholder incomes increased by more than 100% due to higher yields and FFB quality. Improved knowledge in BMP for oil palm cultivation among smallholders. Improved knowledge and capacity of growers and millers to implement RSPO standards. Supported BOPP in becoming the first RSPO certified oil palm mill in Ghana. 91 RSPO Lead Auditors in West Africa trained. SWAPP s Future Activities RSPO Smallholder Support Fund (RSSF) grants will allow for training and support for 2,000 independent smallholders in Ghana and 1,000 independent smallholders in Nigeria to attain RSPO certification by 2016 and 2017, respectively. About Solidaridad Solidaridad is a not for profit network organization operating from ten regional offices on five continents. We envision a world in which all we produce, and all we consume, can sustain us all while respecting the planet, each other and the next generation. We bring together commodity supply chain actors and engage them in innovative solutions to improve production, ensuring the transition to a sustainable and inclusive economy that maximizes the benefit for all. Join us Only together we can move towards an inclusive palm oil supply chain. Please become our partner in cracking this nut and get in touch with our palm oil team: Rosemary Addico, Oil Palm Programme Manager, Ghana Rosemary@solidaridadnetwork.org For more information: