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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
Indigenous Women Launch a Furniture-Making Business in Mexico
Sustainably harvested wood is at the heart of this new business run by indigenous Maya women.... Continue Reading
Article
Ghanaian Cocoa Farmers Benefit from Sustainability
A community-led Land Management Board has made sustainable, climate-smart farming the norm.... 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
Rainforest Alliance Certified Bananas
Over the years we’ve worked with most of the world’s biggest companies to improve their banana supply chains, trained farmers in more sustainable growing methods, and built partnerships with local communities, NGOs, and scientists committed to changing the industry.[Read more...]
Rainforest Alliance Certified Coffee
Coffee farms or groups of smallholder farmers that earn the Rainforest Alliance Certified seal are audited annually against a rigorous standard with detailed environmental, social and economic criteria. These criteria are designed to protect biodiversity, deliver financial benefits to farmers, and foster a culture of respect for workers and local communities.[Read more...]
Media Coverage
Amazon rainforest facing most devastating fires ever seen
Experts believe this year’s Amazon rainforest fires could be the worst yet, after deforestation rose 17% on 2020.
Topics: Amazon Basin
Our Work to Improve Rural Livelihoods
To improve rural livelihoods, we foster deep collaboration between farmers, civil society organizations, companies, and governments.[Read more...]
Topics: Insights
Annual Report
2020 Annual Report: We Thrive Together
Explore our achievements and discover what gave us energy and hope in 2020—a year unlike any other.[Read more...]
Topics: ImpactsIn the Field
Protecting Biodiversity and Livelihoods in Cameroon
Our efforts have benefited 12 communities, home to around 10,000 people. [Read more...]
