Article
Our Work to Improve Rural Livelihoods
To improve rural livelihoods, we foster deep collaboration between farmers, civil society organizations, companies, and governments.... Continue Reading
What's at Stake
Across the tropics, farming and forest communities face a daily struggle to cover life’s basic needs. Breaking the cycle of rural poverty—and tackling the ensuing impacts for people and nature—is critical for a more sustainable future for us all.
RURAL POVERTY, DEFORESTATION, AND HUMAN RIGHTS
Rural poverty is at the root of many of our most pressing global challenges, from child labor and poor working conditions to deforestation for agricultural expansion. Economic desperation exacerbates these complex issues, which are deeply embedded in global supply chains. The result is a vicious cycle of environmental destruction and human suffering.
Our Impact
Our work to cultivate rural prosperity brings real, measurable benefits for farmers, forest communities and Indigenous peoples around the world.
Building a sustainable forest economy
US$63 million
earned by our Maya Biosphere Reserve community partners from 2013-2020*
The Rainforest Alliance has been working with the community forestry concessions in Guatemala’s Maya Biosphere Reserve since 1999—helping to develop thriving forest enterprises based on the responsible harvesting and processing of non-timber forest products (such as nuts and palm fronds), in addition to timber for export, according to the rigorous standard of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
*2013-2020 earnings from 111 small and medium-sized forest-based businesses in the community concessions of Guatemala’s Maya Biosphere Reserve.
Improving farmer incomes
40% higher cocoa income
on West African small-scale certified farms*
In 70 countries, farmers are trained in more sustainable practices that boost climate resilience, conserve biodiversity, and promote worker wellbeing—while also helping to increase productivity and improve their incomes. Learn more
*Three studies published in 2018-2020 reveal that income from cocoa production is 40% higher on average on Rainforest Alliance and UTZ Certified farms in Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire, compared to non-certified farms:
Our Work: Livelihoods
The Rainforest Alliance partners with frontline communities to build thriving rural economies rooted in more sustainable growing practices and forest stewardship. We also promote responsible business practices to ensure that companies recognize and reward sustainability transformation—in the field as well as the boardroom.
Article
Protecting Biodiversity and Livelihoods in Cameroon
Our work in this region lends support for community forest enterprises as they plan sustainable forest management activities, utilize best forestry practices, boost their business skills, and engage in strategies for value-added processing and penetrating premium markets for timber and other forest products.... Continue Reading
Organizational Updates
Living Income: Moving from Measurement to Action
As founding members of the Living Income Community of Practice, we’re committed to finding solutions to address the living wage gap.... Continue Reading
Article
Guatemalan Indigenous Entrepreneur Meets with Kamala Harris
A longtime participant in our programs in Guatemala met with Vice President Harris.... Continue Reading
All resources for Livelihoods
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Partnerships for Impact: Collaborating with JDE Peet’s to Improve Farmer Livelihoods
When addressing the complex challenges facing farmers, the Rainforest Alliance uses a context-specific approach for identifying and remediating critical supply chain risks. Through a collaborative partnership, like the Common Grounds program we developed with JDE Peet’s, we can help your company achieve its sustainability goals.[Read more...]
Media Coverage
What can world leaders do to make COP26 deforestation pledge a success?
Global leaders who have pledged to halt deforestation by 2030 must move quickly to strengthen forest protection laws, line up funding, and include Indigenous people in conservation efforts to have the best chance of success.
Project Profile: Improving Livelihoods of Farmers and Workers Across the Fruit Sector in Latin America
This project will provide training and engagement to at least 37,093 workers in the avocado and berry (strawberry and raspberry) sectors in Mexico and the banana and pineapple sectors in Costa Rica. [Read more...]
White Paper
Strategies to Enhance Coffee Farmers’ Incomes
While there is a growing body of research that highlights the severity of the living income gap in the coffee sector, less is known about the strategies that companies can pursue to help close it.
View: Strategies to Enhance Coffee Farmers’ Incomes
One-sheets
Institutional Capacities in Latin America
Working across Latin America’s most significant natural landscapes—from the South American Amazon rainforest to the Mayan jungle which extends through Guatemala, Mexico, and Belize—the Rainforest
View: Institutional Capacities in Latin America
Media Coverage
‘Collaboration is key’ to address big environmental challenges, says Daniel Katz
Daniel Katz, board chair at Rainforest Alliance, explains about the trends and obstacles in the conservation sector and the importance of collaboration.
